GOSHEN — Allan Dudley Walker, 91, of Allyn Road, died Friday morning, Jan. 31, 2025. Born Feb. 16, 1933, he was the son of Clifford R. and Irene M. (Wilson) Walker of Granby, Connecticut.
Allan was a 1951 graduate of Woodstock Academy in Woodstock, Connecticut earned a B.S. in geography at Dartmouth College in 1955, and a Doctorate degree in Education from The University of Connecticut. After serving 2 years in the Navy as 2nd Lieutenant, he settled in Woodstock in 1957, where he dedicated his life to educating young people by teaching for 3 years, and then as Headmaster at Woodstock Academy for 20 years (1960-1980). He was a long-time prominent figure in the leadership of the Connecticut Association of Schools starting in 1961 until his retirement. During this time, he was also active in the National Association of Secondary School Principals, serving as President from 1975-1976.
On Feb. 13, 1982, he and Joan Angelo were married and moved to Goshen, Connecticut, where they lovingly restored a 1780 Colonial and he continued his dedication to nurturing young minds as Principal of Litchfield High School (1980-88), and subsequently Superintendent of Schools for the region (1988-92). Allan was an active community leader throughout his life. He was a member and officer of the Freemason Society and served in both the Muddy Brook Fire Department and the Woodstock Volunteer Fire Association as an officer and EMT. After he moved to Goshen, he served on the Board of Directors for the Connecticut Junior Republic. He was also a member of the Goshen Board of Finance from 2002 to 2025, serving as Chairman the last 21 years.
Allan loved the outdoors. He was most at home as a gentleman farmer tending his herd of Hereford beef animals, whom he treated as pets. He also enjoyed the solace and adventure of being off the grid in the northern Maine woods (T15-R9), having vacationed there since the 1960’s and made many more visits there with his children and extended family. With his 2000 Porsche Boxster, he and Joan enjoyed events and tours as members of the CT Valley Region Porsche Club.
Allan is survived by his beloved wife Joan, his children, Patricia Walker of Newport, Vermont, Allan (Carrie) Walker, Jr. of Woodstock, Connecticut, Suzanne (Ronald) Szymanski of Naples, Florida, Mary (Paul) Gallerani of Woodstock, Connecticut, Melissa (Chris) Cornell of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, his stepdaughter, Cassandra Angelo (Holly) of Glastonbury, Connecticut, his first wife, Lois Swenson and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Donald N. Walker.
The family would like to share their gratitude for the care, kindness and dedication provided by his primary VNA caregiver, Robin Gallagher, Chris Seymour, Shantal Harvey, Goshen/Cornwall Senior Bus, Goshen Fire Company and Goshen Community Care.
There are no calling hours. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Connecticut Junior Republic, 550 Goshen Road, Litchfield, CT 06759, The Goshen Good Neighbor Fund, Inc., PO Box 492, Goshen, CT 06756-0492, or the Woodstock Academy, 57 Academy Road, Woodstock, CT 06281.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Kenny Funeral Homes, 41 Main Street, Sharon, CT.
Photo by Graham Corrigan
