I want to take a moment and write about a friend of mine who passed away recently. His name was Walter Dodel and he lived in NY for most of his adult life. Walter and I had worked together some years ago and became friends but I feel that a part of his life bears repeating and at this time I would like to summarize his life for anyone who wishes to read this.

Walter was the only son of Domenic and Bertha Dodel and was born in 1936 in NY. 
Domenic’s family was considered middle class family that owned a restaurant and ski lodge outside of Berlin

Walter’s parents had emigrated from Germany and met here when Domenic was a member of the German Merchant Marine. Domenic decided to jump ship and stay in NY in order to continue in his developing friendship with Bertha, but unfortunately was detained by immigration and sent back to Germany. Once in Germany, Domenic learned to become a butcher and worked hard at saving enough money to return to NY. However New York and the rest of the nation were in the middle of a crippling economic depression, so Domenic worked odd jobs and even became a professional wrestler at the old Madison Square Garden, which was located on Eighth Avenue between 49th and 50th Streets in Manhattan. During approximately 1933, Domenic was in a match where his opponent hit him in the mouth with a metal pipe and shattered most of his teeth. Domenic then had them all removed, and with the exception of his service during WWII, never wore dentures preferring to eat nuts, apples, etc., with his gums alone

When Walter was born, times were difficult and with a young child to feed, Domenic enlisted to serve in the US Army in approximately 1940. Part of this was personal, as stories of Hitler’s persecutions and control over Germany became more prevalent, he developed a personal hatred of Hitler. Once the Nazi party found in favor of his sister in a family land dispute and took all legal rights away from Domenic, he signed up and vowed to get a hold of Hitler’s neck. Bertha also helped out with the war effort and found a job in a munitions factory in Brooklyn. Walter became a “latchkey” kid and along with others living in the Red Hook section at that time, was mostly on his own after school. However while Domenic was overseas, Bertha became severely injured in an explosion at the factory and had to have an emergency tracheotomy. Young Walter was sent to live in the NY Foundling Home until his mother recovered and learned to become more independent.

Walter often remarked that one of his proudest days as a young child was to have his Dad pick him up from school in full military uniform. Domenic was called home on emergency leave and remained until Bertha became well enough to take care of Walter. Once she recovered Domenic was off again to war and Walter became closer to his mother, having almost lost her.

After the end of the war, Domenic became a very successful landscaper and as time passed Walter longed to serve his country as his father had and tried unsuccessfully to enlist in the US Armed Forces at a young age. He then joined the Boy Scouts and would take the trains and subways to far-away places in Long Island in order to camp. Walter attended Aviation High School in Long Island City, often borrowing his father’s Nash automobile in spite of not being old enough to drive. Walter successfully graduated and yearned to do more to serve his country and again tried to enlist. Once he learned that he had a heart murmur, Walter pleaded with the Army doctors to re-examine him a second time. Walter ran up and down 4 flights of stairs three times in a row and the doctors re-checked his heart rate. Finding no major problems he was allowed to enlist and proudly entered the US Army as an aviation technician.

Unfortunately for Walter the Korean War was heating up and he was promptly sent there. Walter’s experiences in Korea can only be described as horrific, with his camp being overrun and almost taken prisoner. Walter had to fight his way out of many situations and vividly recalled the attacks of the enemy soldiers in particular during his engagement at the Chosin Reservoir. Walter received two (maybe three) field promotions as he was exceptional in promoting camaraderie and was an exemplary leader of men. Walter almost never spoke of his time over there but after knowing him for so long, I felt privileged to hear some of his harrowing, deadly and frightening experiences and carry most of them in my heart to this day. For no language yet exists which can accurately describe what men experience in battle. Walter always had a “no nonsense” methodical approach to every task he engaged in and while he may have appeared indifferent to personal situations, it was because he saw life on life’s terms –mainly that it is fleeting, fragile and finite, and he could not be bothered with trivial matters. However he was human through & through and had the same concerns as most of us. Many times for example, he told me that the two things that he missed the most over in the foxholes of Korea was his mother and his Lionel trains !

Upon returning from Korea, Walter got a job at Republic Aviation in Farmingdale, NY working on the F-84 aircraft. He then married his sweetheart named Sally and the two began to create a fulfilling life together. Unfortunately the marriage ended too soon and he never really over came the feelings in his heart for her. About this time Walter left Republic and then focused on continuing his education by taking classes at the University of Connecticut (UCON) while starting a job with Mannesmann Tally computers. During his first year of employment the company provided a bonus option of $50 or an equivalent value in company stock. Against the advice of his parents, Walter took the stock and embarked on a life-long pursuit and study of the stock market. Walter had an uncanny ability to engage in multi-dimensional thinking, learn all about a company, its products and market share and purchased stock accordingly as a hobby. Charts and data were analyzed and Walter made pragmatic decisions which yielded positive results.

Walter obtained his civilian pilot’s license and enjoyed taking off and landing at the former Zhan’s Airfield. As time progressed however, his eyesight began to fade. No longer able to trust his eyesight without the aid of glasses, Walter felt that he might place someone’s life at risk if he went flying and his glasses became lost or broken. Heartbroken, he last flew in 1970 but still retained his pilot’s license as a source of personal accomplishment.

About 1963 Walter became employed by Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation where he stayed until retiring in 1995. Walter continually received promotions at work and was seen as tireless leader by many. His Engineering background and his love of science and statistics made him an invaluable tool in many projects including the Benjamin Franklin submarine and Grumman’s LEM Program from which he received many awards and accolades. Walter had a reputation for getting the job done and always was focused on full completion of tasks.

I met Walter in 1988 and was initially worried about working with someone who had such a stoic demeanor and could often be seen as gruff. However for some reason he adopted me as his friend and I began to see a “tough as nails” person in a more personable manner. As we worked together I listed to his guidance and became more aware that he was absolutely without fear of any kind and he never lied or exaggerated once. Over 10 years later there were many weekend nights where Walter would come to my home for dinner with my family & I and my wife and children in particular saw what a well intentioned person he was.

I was there for him when his father died and then his mother as well. Walter lived in the same house that his parents purchased in the 1950’s and enjoyed computers, world events and statistical analysis of the stock market. I was continually amazed at his ability to fearlessly approach any person or event with confidence and dignity that all would work out well.

However due to a number of minor misunderstandings Walter and I became estranged for reasons which mean nothing today. I had called him when I was in Afghanistan in 2012 and had sent him an e-mail but never followed up after that as I did not wish to insult his pride.

I found out yesterday that Walter had died on Saturday, September 20th, 2014 alone and at his home. Since there are no surviving relatives, there was no one to even put in an obituary notice and I learned that only 1 or 2 people went to his viewing at the funeral home. No one who has led such an honorable life, who had faced death dozens of times and lived his life on his terms should be alone when it’s time to die. I only hope that he knows that my family and I will pray for peace for him.

My point is that life is indeed too short... learn to apologize to your friends and loved ones and get over whatever is holding you back from making amends.