January 01, 1970
Walter Chatham Books, Jr. (8/8/1953 – 10/9/2021)
Walter (Wally) Chatham Books, 68, of West View passed away on October 9, 2021, after a brief illness, with family at his side.
He was the beloved husband of Audrey E (Tobac) Books. They were married in 1984 and spent 37 years at each other’s sides. As the loving father of Lauren Rae Books, he was a one in a million dad, who treasured time spent with his daughter.
Walter was the son of Gloria and Walter Chatham Books, Sr. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Ronald and Gary.
He is survived by several brothers in law and sisters in law along with numerous nieces and nephews.
He was a faithful Christian who loved reading his Bible and was enthusiastic about his faith.
Wally was an avid Steeler fan and season ticket holder for 56 years. He had a love for all sports and an incredible recall for sports facts. He was an impressive wrestler, talented pitcher, and enjoyed working with kids coaching football.
He retired from the North Hills School District in 2018 after over 20 years of service. Prior to working for the school district, he was involved in the family business and delivered Stella Dora Cookies throughout the greater Pittsburgh area.
Walter enjoyed the time he spent with family and friends and would do anything for anyone. He could talk to anyone about anything. He never met a stranger.
One of his greatest passion’s was music. He believed that if you played an instrument, you would never be lonely. He played by ear and encouraged many to sing along. His talent was enjoyed in venues across the country in his younger years, including a USO tour, and later got great satisfaction in sharing his passion with others.
He and his wife appreciated the outdoors and spent a lot of time at the ocean, traveling around the country, camping, kayaking, swimming, and bird watching. He was an ardent fisherman whose culinary skills were enjoyed by all who sat at his table.
Wally was a history buff. He was proud of his heritage dating back to the Revolutionary War and spent a lot of time in Gettysburg where his ancestors figured prominently in the Civil War.
Wally was one of a kind, whose loving and giving spirit inspired everyone around him to be a better person. He will always be known for his infectious laugh, huge heart, and ability to light up the room. His mantra, “No matter what, you got to keep going” may provide comfort as his passing leaves a void in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the parishioners in need of Mount Carmel Parish.
Visitation will be at Devlin Funeral Home, Inc. 806 Perry Hwy. North Hills. Sunday, October 17th 2021 from 2-6 PM. Mass of Christian burial will be held as Our lady of Mt. Carmel Parish, St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church on Monday, October 18th 2021 at 10 AM.
SO SAD! We sat together in home room and i still remember all of the funny jokes he made. We got married about the same time and enjoyed his company at a wedding later in time!!
What a GREAT person! I cherish his friendship and I mourn his death.
Your forever friend Aj
My deepest Sympathy ,thoughts and prayers to the Books family from a former classmate class of 1971.
Please accept my deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your loved one. I was a long ago classmate of Wally’s 71’ He sounded like a great guy who was well thought of and had a positive effect on those he knew and met. I wish I could have spent my adult life in Pgh. so I could have gotten to know him. Sincerely, Mike Poshedly
God is getting a fine and beautiful man. Deepest love from Louis DeFazio, a very, very close friend of the family.
Lauren, I am terribly sorry for your loss! Losing you dad is hard! Hold on to all of the great memories you have and cherish them forever! I know that your dad is proud of you. God is good, and your dad is in his hands now. One day, you’ll see him again! Rest easy and hope in that! Hug your mom lots and do your best! My deepest sympathies, Lauren!
John 3:16: For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
Cliff Olson
I am so very sorry for the loss of Mr Books. He was a very kind and caring person and so fun to talk with. Lauren, you were in Greg’s class at school and I knew your dad when he worked at West View Elementary. The world will be a sadder place without him.
I remember the first day that Wally and I met. It was at the first Shaler High school football game of the 1964-65 season. From that day on we were close.He is truly one of the good ones.
I am so very sorry for your loss. I met Wally when I was 11 years old. He played in a band with my brother Mark and about 8 years later my husband, Steve, joined the band and played with Wally also. I loved and cherished Wally. He was a big brother to me. He showed me so much love and was so protective of me. He was also a part of our huge family (8 siblings). My Mom and Dad adored and loved Wally. I have so many wonderful memories. The picture you posted is so lovely and encapsulates so much of my memories with Wally. I live in California now but spoke to Wally about 12 months ago. I can still hear that incredible laugh. He will remain in my heart forever
Wally was one in a million. He was the most interesting man I ever had the privilege to know. My heart goes out to his family.
Being your neighbor was a great experience! I’ll truly miss our talks about anything and everything and your birds calls early mornings and evenings. Miss ya already my friend!
God is getting a fine and beautiful man. Deepest love and sympathies from a very close friend of the family.
We thought of Wally as an awesome friend, we loved spending time with him and sharing a meal or ten. We will truly miss everything about our friend. Our hearts and love are with his wife and daughter, always!