In Memory of Walter R. Hedderich

Obituary

Walter R. Hedderich, age 96, of New Hartford (formerly of Whitesboro) passed away unexpectedly on June 28, 2023 at his home.

He was born April 15, 1927, in Utica, son of the late Raymond and Doris Hedderich. He graduated from Syracuse University where he was a member of the SAE fraternity. Walter served in the US Navy during World War II.

On November 2, 1963, in Amherst Community Church, Buffalo, NY he married Saralane Zehrung. She died April 3, 2016.

Walter began his insurance career right out of college working as a representative for a large national insurance company in Syracuse. He returned to Utica in 1952 and began working as a producer at the McLoughlin and Leonard Agency. In 1976 he became owner and the name changed to Hedderich & Leonard, Inc.

He was active in the community, inculding memberships in the Charles H. Adrean Post # 625, American Legion, Utica Claims Association, Engine 11, Greater Utica Chamber of Commerce, Fort Schuyler Club, Syracuse Alumni Club and the Broadway Theater League of Utica. He was also an active and devout member of Our Saviour Lutheran Church.

Walter enjoyed spending time with family and friends, traveling, boating, fishing and gardening. His ultimate pride and joy was spending time at the family camp on Chaumont Bay, NY, which he, his brother and parents built in 1945.

He is survived by his daughter Anne Kallasy, her husband Jason of New Hartford, granddaughter Stephanie Johnson of Utica (formerly of Turin), his son Scott Hedderich, his wife Kate, grandchildren Wilson and Kitty of Des Moines, IA and several nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank Robert Cooper, FNP-C, Lori Dempsey, RN, the staff and friends of Sunset Wood and the compassionate team of Live Long at Home, especially Silas (the OG), for their loving and devoted care of Walter.

Calling hours are on Friday, July 7 from 5-7 PM at Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, 13 Oxford Rd., New Hartford. Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 8 at 10 AM. Interment with military honors will be held in Crown Hill Memorial Park

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Charles H. Adrean Post # 625 American Legion, 726 Washington St., Utica NY 13502.

Online messages may be left at: www.fwefh.com