Walter James Beatty

Walter James Beatty (73), of Cape Coral, Florida, formerly of State College, Pennsylvania passed away at home, with his family by his side, after a long, heroic battle with cancer on June 6, 2023.

Walter, fondly known as Walt or Wally was born to Clair A. and Alma L. (Shinafelt) Beatty, on June 8, 1949 in Altoona, Pennsylvania. He was a talented athlete, who excelled in multiple sports, before finally receiving a full-ride to the University of New Hampshire to quarterback their football team. After graduating with his bachelor’s degree, Walt returned to Altoona, where he married his high school sweetheart, Becky. Early on he held several local positions including an extended period at Conrail, while the couple established their life together and began to build a family. 

Walt was always smart and taking care of his family was his number one priority, so he returned to higher education to pursue a degree in computer programming. He was extremely proficient in the new and exciting field and he spent the remainder of his working years honing his craft, building data management systems and mentoring young computer programmers at Penn State University, until his retirement in 2013.

Walt is survived by his wife of 50 years, Rebecca Beatty; his daughter, Lindsay and son in law, Brian Torchia. He is also survived by his brother, David (Nancy) Beatty, and cousin, Dennis Kohler (Laurene) and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by both of his parents, as well as his four siblings, Donald Beatty (Shirley), Richard Beatty (Kathy), Robert Beatty (Shirley) and Linda Smaich (Mike).

Walt and Becky dated on and off in high school and college, before marrying on May 18, 1973 in Altoona, PA. Eventually, they left Pennsylvania for Maryland, but returned and set down roots in State College, PA in 1987. The couple both found lasting careers at Penn State and it was a wonderful place to live and raise children. The couple built a long and meaningful life, made it through many good and difficult periods of time, and through it all remained a team until the very end.

Walt was not a man that showed many emotions, but he deeply loved his family and was a caretaker at heart. He would give of himself in any way that he could for family, friends, neighbors and even strangers, and he mostly did it without showmanship or recognition. He was a man who kept his word- that people knew they could count on. He was a dad who loved fiercely and would show up, no matter what, or when, consistently and unconditionally. He was extremely active in Lindsay’s life, from weekly “dad and daughter day” outings, coaching countless sports teams, helping to move on many occasions or perform endless vehicle or home repairs.

Walt was an avid golfer and played close to scratch golf for many years with one of the longest drives around. He was a Honda motorcycle aficionado and enjoyed long trips with his brother and son-in law to take in scenery and new towns. He was an active runner and weightlifter into retirement and enjoyed keeping fit. He loved beach vacations including being the driver and navigator on long overnight car trips to get there without traffic. He was a knower of many things, especially obscure facts, was hard to beat at trivia and could give many a Jeopardy contest a run for their money.

Walt’s family plans to host a celebration of life at a later date, and family and close friends will be informed. If you wish to honor Walt, please consider donating to the American Cancer Society or deathwithdignity.org.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.