Walter Mervin Resh

Having lived a full century in Watsonville CA, Walter Resh passed away last week at the age of 103. He attended Watsonville schools and Hartnell College in Salinas. For many years he resided at Valley Heights Residential Community in Watsonville. His final three years were spent in a residential home in Danville CA.

Walter was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Resh Sr and Irene Stewart Resh. He is survived by two daughters, Cindy Resh Ferrin (Dave Church) of Danville CA, Karen Gellert (Bob) of Northridge CA, granddaughter Tami Henderson (Mark) of Oregon, great-granddaughter Rachelle Henderson of Los Angeles and extended family in Sacramento.

Walter worked 32 years as the Supervisor of Maintenance and Operations with the Pajaro Valley Unified School District, retiring in 1983. For the next decade he served as a school building inspector.

A veteran of World War 11, Walter proudly served his country in the US Navy as Yeoman 2nd Class from 1943-1946. He served on board the USS Hughes DD-410 destroyer, participating in 12 sea battles from Leyte, Philippines to the Aleutian Islands. In December 1943 his ship was hit and disabled in a Kamikaze attack where 18 crewmen lost their lives. From 1991-2017 he and daughter Cindy attended every USS Hughes annual Navy reunion. Each reunion was held in a different U.S. city. Afterward they vacationed in the region, visiting 40 states together.

Walter loved ballroom dancing, learning it as a teenager from his grandfather. When 1940's music was played his toes would begin to tap and his fingers kept time. He danced regularly at several locations in Monterey, Salinas, Santa Cruz and Watsonville.

His gentle, kind manner will be missed by all who knew him. He wrote that his fondest memories were sharing love and friendship. He loved spending time walking along the beautiful Pacific coast and seeing the varied United States countryside.

At his request, no life celebration will be held. His remains will be cremated by the Neptune Society and interred at Pajaro Valley Memorial Park in Watsonville.

Published in The Pajaronian · April 9, 2024