Pich, Walter

Walter "Walt" Pich, 90, of Plainville, began his final journey, with 
his family by his side, on Monday (June 14, 2010). "Pop," as he 
was affectionately known to many, was born in Forestville on 
March 17, 1920, one of eight children of the late Theodore 
and Antonina (Lazorik) Pich. Raised in Bristol, he attended local 
schools, and as a young man, joined the Civilian Conservation 
Corps. Stationed in Colorado, he learned many skills and 
served his country by clearing lands to develop roads and sent 
money back home to help his family during the depression. 
Walt was employed for many years as a screw machine 
operator at Supreme Lake Manufacturing, and was a former 
long time member of Mickey's A.C. He shared more than 50 
years of love and devotion with his wife, Ann (Castiola), with 
whom he raised his adored family. The last 20 years of his life 
were blessed with his loving companion and best friend, 
Loretta Guilmette, who joined him on many travels and life 
adventures. Pop was fond of telling stories of the old days, 
and could always be counted on to sing "Me and My Shadow" 
upon the request of any grandchild. He will be dearly missed, 
but has graced his family with the gift of many stories and 
memories that will live on for years to come. Along with his 
companion, Loretta. he leaves his daughters, Carol Athearn and 
Jane Theriault and her partner, David Olsen; his grandchildren, 
Alison Swain, Alan Theriault and his wife, Donna, Amanda 
Theriault and Mark Zommer, and Roseann Lauzon and her 
husband, Andy; his great-grandchildren, Marissa and Michael 
Theriault, Cole and Grace Zommer, Ava and Arianna Lauzon, 
and Robert Joseph Lauzon; his brothers, George and his wife, 
Ann and Raymond and his wife, Dora; many nieces and 
nephews, and his cat Chloe. He was predeceased by his son-
in-law, Robert Athearn and his siblings, John Pich, Mary Miller, 
Anna Gut, Millie Kohl, and Josephine Parzych. A celebration of 
Pop's life will be held on Friday at 11 a.m. at Bailey Funeral 
Home, 48 Broad St, Plainville. Committal services will follow at 
St. Joseph Cemetery. Family and friends may gather one hour 
prior to the service, from 10-11 a.m. at the funeral home. In 
lieu of flowers, Walt may be remembered with contributions to 
Connecticut Children's Medical Center, 282 Washington St., 
Hartford, CT 06106 or Bristol Hospital Hospice and Home Care, 
Brewster Rd., Bristol, CT 06010. To share your memories of 
Walt with his family, please visit his tribute wall at www.Bailey-
FuneralHome.com.

Published in The Hartford Courant on June 16, 2010