Walter J. Case, age 57, of Manahawkin, passed Jan. 4, 2021, at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch. Wally was raised in Middletown with his parents Linda and Walter and his three siblings, Brad, Tyler and Marcy.
Growing up, Wally’s love for football started with the Middletown Chargers in Pop Warner. As his prowess and athleticism shined, he went on to play for Red Bank Catholic where he was a tri-sport athlete in football, wrestling, and track. In football at RBC, Wally was a star athlete, leading the team in tackles, was a multiple-time captain, received the Lombardi Award, and was an All-Monmouth team member. In wrestling, he competed at the Unlimited weight class and for his light weight he was outstanding on the mat. He was then recruited to play football for Springfield College in Springfield, Massachusetts, where he also wrestled Heavyweight. He was a two-time All-American, All-team Captain, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree.
After college he traveled to Padua, Italy, to play and coach for the Professional American Football League for the Podova Saints. He played offense and defense and won league championships as a player and coach. After returning from Italy, in 1987 Wally played as a linebacker for the New York Jets. He finished his coaching career at Red Bank Catholic.
Wally began his professional career with Harris 3M/Lanier which challenged and inspired his competitive nature. He immediately found success in the industry, receiving countless promotions and sales/management awards. He started his own recruitment firm, worked for RICOH, and finished his outstanding career in business as a vice president of sales at TGI Automation.
He spent his weekends golfing, clamming, gardening, and spending time with friends. Wally was an incredible friend to all who knew him, but he was an even better son, brother, uncle, and father. He is survived by his three children, Michael, Cory, and Connor. He always put his sons first, whether through his work ethic, coaching, or being their role model. He will be forever missed and never forgotten.
A memorial gathering was held at Jan. 9 at Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank.
The article originally appeared in the January 21 – 26, 2021 print edition of The Two River Times.
