HARTWICK – It is with deep sorrow and much love that we announce the passing of Walter E. Wart, beloved husband, father, and dear friend.
Walter E. Wart, 54, of Hartwick, passed away on Friday January 30, 2026, peacefully at home with his family at bedside.
Walter,
commonly known as Magoo, was born on July 23, 1971, to Percy and Audrey Wart at
Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown.
He graduated
from Cooperstown High School in 1990 and entered the workforce as a carpenter
for Croft Construction. Walter spent several years working for Jack Croft who
ended up being a lifelong mentor and friend. Walter continued his passion for
woodworking and began logging for Chase Enterprise under the guidance of his
dear friend, Cousin Mike Chase.
Walter spent
20+ years logging with long days in the woods; he truly enjoyed this work.
Walter later went on to supporting Otsego County as the Maintenance man and
most recently for Bassett as the Outreach maintenance worker. Over the years
Walter worked for several local farms, Wightman lumber company and construction
companies. To say he was a Jack of all trades would not even begin to describe
the knowledge this man had.
Walter is
survived by his wife of 32 years, Paula Wart; his beloved daughter Shanette
Triolo and her husband Bill Triolo; mother Audrey Wart; sister Helena Elderkin;
brother Percy Wart and his wife Pam; as well as several cousins, aunts, uncles,
and dear friends. You all meant so very much to him, and in his words, “I have
the very best friends in the world” including Rick Card, Mike Chase, Dale
Fassett, Scott Rathbun, Thomas Pagillo and Bill Triolo. There are so many more,
but the true measure of a friendship is more than the good times; it’s supporting
and providing comfort during hardship and pain.
Walter (Magoo)
had the ability to light up a room and fill it with smiles and laughter. He
touched many lives with his wisdom, humor, and true love for life. Walter
enjoyed the outdoors, his passion for woodworking, his love for AC/DC, fishing,
camping and being with family and friends. In recent years during chemo and
radiation he spent his time home in his garage with his dog Lizzy which truly
may have been the love is his life.
There are no words
that will make this easier; nothing will ever be able to replace the presence
of Walter Wart. May the Miller Lite always be cold, the AC/DC always loud and
an endless supply of donuts and mustard.
We love you
Wally.
A Celebration
of Life will be held at the Hartwick American Legion at 3 p.m. Saturday
February 7, 2026, followed by a Summer Gathering at Creek Side Station on July
11, 2026, and graveside burial.
Donations can
be made in his honor to the Hartwick Children's Christmas Fund, PO Box 123,
Hartwick, NY 13348.
Expressions of
sympathy can be mailed to the family at 128A Bunn Hill Road, Mount Vision, NY 13810.
Arrangements
are with the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.
