Walter J. "Walt" Bryan

Walter Johnston Bryan, 89, of Lewes, Delaware, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2025, at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Known affectionately as “Walt,” he proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for 20 years (1954–1974) as both a jet mechanic and pilot. After returning home to Delaware in 1974, Walt worked in the court system as an alderman, became a real estate agent, and was actively involved in multiple new local development projects until his passing. He was a lifelong member of Coolspring Presbyterian Church and a dedicated member, sponsor, and supporter of the Alcoholics Anonymous community in Delaware. He was also a member of the Rotary and the Masonic Lodge.

Walt was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was the son of the late Walter O. Bryan, United States Coast Guard, and the late Ruth Bryan of Lewes, Delaware. He was the beloved husband of the late

Jacquelyn Bryan of Chicago, Illinois, and the late Thelma Walls Bryan of Milton, Delaware. He is survived by his brother, Robert Bryan (Judy Bryan) of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.

Walt was the proud father of three daughters: Lisa Sumstine (James Sumstine) of Milton, Delaware; April Gott (Rodney Gott) of Lothian, Maryland; and Debra Torres (Ramon Torres) of Chicago, Illinois. He was the loving Pop-Pop to his

seven grandchildren: Zachrey Gott (Hannah S. Gott) of Lothian, Maryland; Staff Sergeant Noah Gott, U.S. Army, of Allentown, Pennsylvania; Hannah J. Gott of Lothian, Maryland; Naomi Torres of Washington, D.C.; Abigail Torres of Chicago, Illinois; Kathryn Sumstine of Savannah, Georgia and Milton, Delaware; and Charlotte Sumstine of Milton, Delaware. He was the extremely proud Great Pop-Pop to Evelyn Gott, Bethel Gott, Bennett Gott, and Eleanor Gott.

In his younger years, Walt loved attending Sunday School and singing in the church choir, a joy he carried into adulthood. He proudly participated in the Boy Scouts of America, achieving the rank of Life Scout, though he often shared that missing his Eagle Scout rank was a lifelong regret. He attended Lewes High School, where he enjoyed agriculture and woodworking classes. His aviation career was sparked in high school when his agriculture teacher took him on his very first airplane ride, a moment that inspired his lifelong love of flying.

“My parents were very loving people. They put my brother and me ahead of their desires. They always gave us the best that we, as a family, could afford,” Walt once reflected.

Throughout his life, Walt found great joy in photography, birdwatching, biking, kayaking, and reading. In recent years, he enjoyed working on home improvements at his home in Angola, especially alongside his son-in-law Jim. He took particular pride in maintaining and organizing his beloved shed.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. in Milton, Delaware, at Union Street Meeting House, 415 Union Street, Milton, DE. Walt’s family will be available for visitation from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Dry Dock Recovery, PO Box 562, Nassau, DE 19969

Arrangements in the care of Short Funeral Services, Milton, where online condolences are welcome for the family at www.shortfuneralservicesandcremation.com