 PETERBOROUGH, N.H. — Walter Luis Molina, 101, died peacefully Friday, Feb. 6, 2009 at RiverMead in Peterborough, N.H.He was born in Boston, Oct. 7, 1907, son of Z. Corinne (Guckerberger) and Manuel O. Molina. Mr. Molina began playing classical piano at age five and played actively throughout his life although never professionally. He graduated from Harvard University in 1929 with a major in English literature and was active in the Harvard Glee Club and chapel choir, at that time the unofficial choral arm of the Boston Symphony. Upon graduation, he joined The Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company and worked and managed offices in several cities with that company for nearly 50 years, eventually being appointed an officer in 1970.
In 1941 he married Josephine Glover Foster and produced two sons from that marriage. Josephine died and in 1958, he married Katharine Larrabee Foster and lived in West Hartford, Conn. until 1975 when they retired to Pigeon Cove. There he contributed much of his time to music, gardening, volunteering, and sailing with family and friends until he and Kay relocated to Peterborough in 1997. A life member of the Appalachian Mountain Club, other interests included hiking, camping, and skiing. He was a member of numerous organizations including the School Board, DeWitt, N.Y.; Universalist Church in West Hartford, Conn.; the AARP, and the Unitarian Universalist Church in Rockport. Since moving to Peterborough, he was actively attended and supported the Peterborough Unitarian Universalist Church, Apple Hill Chamber Music, Monadnock Music, and Peterborough Players. As Chairman of the Performing Arts Committee, he arranged for countless professional musicians and groups to perform at RiverMead. Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Geoffrey and Donna Molina of Keene, N.H., daughter-in-law Margaret Jean Hay of Haverhill, three grandchildren, and one great grandchild. His son Gerry passed away in 2004. A memorial service officiated by Pastor David Robins, Unitarian Universalist Church in Peterborough, will be conducted at a later date. ARRANGEMENTS: In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Mr. Molina’s memory to Apple Hill Center for Chamber Music, P.O. Box 217, Sullivan, NH 03445. The Jellison Funeral Home, Peterborough, N.H. is in charge of the arrangements. |