Obituary of Curtis Walters

Curtis Andrew Walters, age 59, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, March 8, 2021 at his home in Hardwick, NJ. Born in Jersey City, Curtis spent his life as a New Jersey native and settled in Warren County with his wife and daughter for 22 years. 

Like his father before him, Curtis spent time working in his youth at Walters Machine Company with his Uncle John and Uncle Albert, inspiring a lifelong passion for machining. Curtis spent his 37 year-long career becoming an expert in CNC machining while building a reputation as a fair and equitable manager with the expertise and drive necessary to get the job done correctly, on time, and within or under budget.

In his leadership roles while employed by Picut Manufacturing, Tilp Inc, Passaic Plastics, Thul Machine Works, and most recently Flowserve Corporation, Curtis always made time to lend an ear or provide guidance to colleagues and former business associates. Spanning manufacturing optimization, tool & die set up, lathe and CNC operation, and general materials knowledge in addition to his strong people management skills, Curtis was a tour de force in his field. The loss of his knowledge and character in the industry will surely be felt. 

An eager supporter of small business, Curtis aspired to one day open his own machine shop. He enjoyed fishing, golf, and the TV show How it’s Made. A creator and co-creator of various patents and a continuous problem solver, Curtis found joy generating innovative solutions to help others. Curtis leaves behind a void—one of good conversations, of endless loyalty and support in good times and bad. There is no replacing a man who was always in everyone’s corner, cherished by so many.

Curtis is survived by his wife of 35 years, Ruth Walters (Alfert) and daughter Nicole Walters and son-in-law Matt, as well as his mother Veronica Walters (Waltz) and beloved siblings Lynne Tevis, Richard Walters Jr and his wife Charlotte, Mary Forrestall and her husband Timothy, Anastasia Van Liere, and David Walters. Curtis is also survived by his nieces Mary Walton and Anastasia Tevis, as well as his nephews Richard Tevis, Timothy Forrestall, Colin Forrestall, and Jonathan Walters. Curtis was predeceased by his father, Richard P Walters, Sr. 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and an abundance of caution the family has made private arrangements and hopes to hold a memorial celebration to honor both Richard and Curtis’ lives and legacies once it is safe to gather. We ask that you hold your loved ones close in these times, take care of yourselves and your health, and continue to find the silver-linings and humor in our every day challenges as Curtis would have wanted us to.