Walter is married to Cynthia who works for CCC Children and Family Services.  He has two children and two grandchildren.  Walter and his wife are five-time foster parents.

Walter graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English from the State University of New York, Albany, School of Education.  He is a lifetime educator, speaks three languages and taught English-As-A-Second-Language for the City University of New York and the Boston School Department.  

Walter is a certificated Global Career Developer Facilitator and is credentialed as a Facilitator-Trainer from Rutgers State University of New Jersey.  He is currently the Director of Special Programs at Pittsburg Adult Education, administering career placement services for adults with disabilities.   He has owned an international medical professional recruitment agency.

Walter began public service in 1968, teaching English to 510 middle school students as a Peace Corps volunteer in Sultandag, Turkey - a remote village without electricity.   In 2001, he organized Antioch’s first ‘Season for Non-Violence’ Peace March, wherein representatives from nine faiths joined in the interfaith candle-lighting witnessed by over 150 citizens.  Walter is Antioch’s representative to the CCC Library Commission; former chair of the CCC Human Relations Commission and founder of the Antioch Music Foundation.  He was described by State Assemblyman Tom Torlakson as “an ambassador of goodwill” for his quest for universal brotherhood.  

In 2006, Walter received a Special Congressional Recognition from Congresswoman Ellen O. Tauscher for outstanding and invaluable services to the community during the Katrina Victim Relocation to East Contra Costa County.  In 2004, he received the CCC Humanitarian of the Year Award from the Board of Supervisors and the Counselor of the Year Award from the California State Squires.  Walter is a recipient of the Beyond War Award for services rendered of the U.S. Peace Corps.