Walter V. Moynihan, Longtime Reporter, Dies at 88

Walter V. Moynihan, an award winning area journalist and sports writer, died peacefully Sunday, April 28, in Acton. He was 88.

He was born March 1, 1925, in Concord, the son of the late John H. and Alice (Boothroyd) Moynihan. Mr. Moynihan was a Maynard High School graduate and served honorably in the U.S. Army Air Corps in Europe and Africa during WWII. A graduate of Boston University School of Communications, he was a journalist and sports writer for the Arlington Advocate for 47 years, and received many accolades for his work including recognition by the National Press Association. Mr. Moynihan especially loved time spent with his family. He enjoyed York Beach and was remembered as the biggest supporter of women’s athletics and sports. A lifelong Maynard resident, he was an original member of the Maynard Housing Authority.

Mr. Moynihan was the loving husband of 57 years of the late Mary (Tobin) Moynihan. He is survived by three children, John and wife Ellen Moynihan of Missouri, Mary and husband Robert Downes of Tolland, Conn., and Barbara Moynihan of Maynard; four grandsons, John Moynihan of Alabama, Robert Moynihan of Georgia, and Austin and Henry Downes both of Tolland, Conn.; six great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law Arlene Tobin of Maynard; and many nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held Thursday, May 2, from 4-8 p.m. at the Acton Funeral Home, 470 Mass. Ave. (Route 111), Acton. The funeral mass will be celebrated Friday, May 3, at 9 a.m. in St. Bridget’s Church, 1 Percival St., Maynard, with burial following in St. Bridget’s Cemetery, Great Road (Route 117), Maynard. Those who wish may make memorial gifts to Cooperative Elder Services, 7 Chamberlin Drive, Concord, MA 01742. Directions and online condolences: www.actonfuneralhome.com.