Walter J. Jaykus, retired New Canaan Police Lieutenant of Woodbury, died Thursday evening Feb. 20, 2014 at Waterbury Hospital with his family by his side. He was 78.
Born at home on Grove Street, New Canaan he was the son of the late Walter and Nellie Jackson Jaykus.
Walter was the husband of Janet A. Jaykus.
He attended New Canaan High and left to serve in the US Navy during the Korean Conflict. He joined the New Canaan Police Department in 1962 and served 26 years, having achieved the rank of lieutenant. He was a master craftsman who could repair and build anything and was meticulous with wallpaper and painting lending his touch and expertise to many homes in the area. Some of his work has been recognized by Martha Stewart. He also enjoyed woodworking and made various rocking horses for his grandchildren. With his wife, they built and decorated dollhouses with incredible detail and working lights.
In addition to his wife of 40 years, he is survived by his children Pamela Bell (Ed), Walter Jr, (Janet) and Michelle Peck; His siblings, Rosemarie Petronella, Maryann Matthews(Bernard), Michael Jaykus (Imogene), Joseph Jaykus (Margaret) and Paul Jaykus. He was predeceased by his brother George.
He is also survived by his stepchildren Maryann Kiernan, Ellen Kiernan, John Kiernan (Patty), Thom Kiernan (Marie), Loraine Cordes (Robert), Susan Kiernan, Frank Kiernan (Lee Anne) and Steven Kiernan (Daria), seven grandchildren, 17 step-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 24, in St Aloysius Church, New Canaan.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the New Canaan Volunteer Ambulance Corps. Or the Woodbury Ambulance Association.
The Hoyt Funeral Home, 199 Main St., New Canaan, is in charge of the arrangements.
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