Walter Jacobson

Walt was born January 16, 1924 in Memphis TN to Victor and Ruth Cora Jacobson (nee Balthaser).  At 18 months, the family moved to New Rochelle so his father could take over the presidency of Jacobson and Co.  When he finished high school in the summer of 1941, he enrolled in the school of Foreign Service at Georgetown University. He was at his frat house when he learned of the bombing at Pearl Harbor. He enrolled in the ROTC at school and was inducted into the Army Specialized Training Program. He remained in school and eventually enlisted in the US Army in 1946 as a first lieutenant.  He went to infantry basic training at Ft. McCullen, Alabama.  He was sent to Ft. Leonard Wood, MO and joined the 70th Division and sailed on the West Point from Boston to Marseille.  His division went into action along a segment of the Rhine River.  He was assigned to G-4 (supply) at Theatre Headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany where he stayed until August 1946. He retired in 1949 as Captain of the infantry.  In 1961, he enlisted in the US Army Reserves as Major.

He went back to Georgetown University and got a BS degree in foreign service in 1947. He went to work for his father in NY for 3 years.  In 1953, he used the GI Bill and headed to Miami and enrolled in Law School at the University of Miami.  After graduation, he went to work for Aetna as a claims adjuster and eventually became the regional claims manager.  He retired in 1988 after 35 years of service.  He met his best friend Bob in 1972 and they remained best friends.  The world was their oyster as they traveled extensively over the past 32 years. 

Walt is survived by his sister Peggy Brown, age 97, of Loveland, CO and his brother, John Jacobson, age 95, from Providence, NJ, as well as his niece, Marie Fernandez, and nephews, Wes, Ben, Andy, Ted, and John.  He was preceded in death 9 years ago by his partner of 46 years, Bob Deviney. He was also preceded in death by his nephew Tom. Walt lived a full, purposeful life and will be greatly missed.  Walt will receive full military honors for his service in the US Army and will be laid to rest at Bay Pines National Cemetery in St. Petersburg, FL.