In Memoriam: Former Longtime RFH Band Director Ken Walters, 96

Former longtime Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) Band Director Ken Walters, formerly of West Long Branch, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday morning, Dec. 12. He was 96.

“Ken’s love of music and teaching shaped his professional life. He served as Band Director of the Marching 200 and Dean of Students at Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School. One of the greatest honors from his musical career was being selected for the inaugural class of the All Shore Band Directors Hall of Fame in 2009. Ken was an accomplished saxophonist and played in big bands throughout the shore area …

“While any one of these accomplishments would reflect a life well lived, Ken will be remembered most for his sense of humor and his deep love for his family. Known affectionately as ‘Poppy’ to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he was famous for his ‘Poppy jokes.’ Ken was inseparable from his beloved Annette, ‘Blondie,’ proudly driving her everywhere they went. Everything you needed to know about his secret to a successful marriage of 70 years could be summed up in two simple words, ‘Yes Dear.’

“While the world will not be quite the same without Ken, his family finds comfort in knowing he has been reunited with the love of his life, his Blondie.”
Loved ones of Ken Walters in his obituary

Born on Dec. 17, 1928, in New York, NY, Ken spent much of his youth in Shreveport, LA, where he discovered his lifelong passion for music. That passion led him to pursue a degree in music education at Louisiana State University, where he was a proud member of the Golden Band from Tiger Land. He later earned a Master’s degree from Columbia University.

During the Korean War, Ken enlisted in the United States Army. While serving in the Army Band at Fort Monmouth, he met his future bride, Annette, at a USO dance — “a meeting that marked the beginning of a devoted partnership that would span seven decades.”

His commitment to service extended beyond education and work. He served as captain and president of the West Long Branch First Aid Squad, as an officer of West Long Branch Fire Department No. 2 and was also a member of the West Long Branch Recreation and Shade Tree commissions. During the summers he worked at Monmouth Park Racetrack as a parimutuel clerk.

Ken was predeceased by: his beloved wife of 70 years, Annette “Blondie” Walters; his father, Harold Walters; and his mother, Ruth Miller Walters.

He is survived by his loving children: his daughter, Cindy Clayton, of Tinton Falls; his daughter and son-in-law, Diana and Tom Zambrano, of Eatontown; his son and daughter-in-law, Ken and Sue Walters, of Belmar; his 10 cherished grandchildren and their spouses, Adriana, Brandon, Carissa, Jason, Christina, Courtney, David, Chris, Kenny, Michael, Nick and Thomas; and his six beloved great-grandchildren, Caroline, Natalie, Colton, Cooper, Paxton and Jack.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 16, at the Fiore-Buckley Funeral Home, 236 Monmouth Road, Oakhurst/ Ocean Township. There will be a funeral mass at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 17, at Holy Trinity Church (Christ the King) on Prospect Avenue in Long Branch.

— Edited obituary prepared by family via Fiore Funeral Home