Dominic Thomas Walker, a longtime resident of Metuchen, passed away peacefully at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, on September 3, 2021. He was born in Hazleton, Pennsylvania in 1922, the son of the late Thomas and Teresa Roman Walker.

After graduating from Pennsylvania State University, Dominic furthered his education in Chemical Engineering at Bucknell University, later doing postgraduate study at Johns Hopkins University.

His chemical engineering expertise led to his being stationed in Asheville, Kentucky, from 1944 to 1945, serving the wartime effort at Ashland Oil & Refining Co. He worked for many years in Chemical Engineering Research & Development at National Lead Company in Sayreville and American Smelting & Refining (ASARCO) in South Plainfield. After retiring from his chemical engineering career in 1972, Dominic was energized by a new career: teaching. He taught high school chemistry at St Joseph's HS in Metuchen, and Morris Knolls HS in Morris Township. Dom enjoyed working with students, and energetically substitute-taught into his 80s at Rutgers Preparatory School in Somerset.

It was during his tenure at Bucknell University that he dated local schoolteacher Phyllis Shrader of Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. They were married in 1949. Dom and Phyllis raised their family in a Metuchen neighborhood of kids, playgrounds, and fun. The family was able to revisit the home of their childhood often, because Dom resided in this house until the end of his life. Everyone who knew him was impressed by his ability to maintain his independence and sense of humor, to the very end.

The oldest of three children, Dominic was the beloved older brother to sisters Marie and Rosella. He discovered photography at an early age and his sisters were his first subjects. His interest in photography continued throughout his life and extended beyond family and self portraits to train "portraits": he shared his interest in trains with railroad fans by developing and offering collectible train photographs at many train shows, often assisted by his lovely wife. He pursued this interest in trains over the course of his adult life - he served proudly as a member of the Jersey Central Chapter, National Railway Historical Society since its inception, for over 40 years.

Additionally, Dom extended his community service efforts as a member of the Metuchen-Edison Historical Society Board of Directors, where his always-positive attitude, enthusiasm, and willingness to help out in as many ways as possible were inspirational. He also served as a Friend of the Metuchen Library, where he was Membership Chair through his 90s.

He is survived by his sister Rosella Walker, and his children: Thomas Walker and his partner Janet Lute of Hendersonville, NC; Stephanie Walker and her husband William Hughes of Poughkeepsie, NY; Cynthia Walker of Lewisburg, PA; Christopher Walker of New Columbia, PA; Beth Anne (Walker) Nichols and her husband Jeffrey of Concord, NH; and Amy Vaccaro and her partner Richard Ziegler of Media, PA. Dom loved being a grandparent to four grandchildren: Thomas Walker and his wife Megan; Reede Nichols and his partner Quincey Sigona; Renny Walker; and Abby Nichols; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and his cherished wife, Dominic was preceded in death by his sister Marie Broski.

Dom will be missed greatly. Family was very important to him: he enjoyed frequent family get-togethers with his family and grandchildren. The family would especially like to express their sincere gratitude to Dom's neighbors, who provided him with a second family. With their kind concern and reliable support, they were always in his thoughts.

A visitation for Dominic is planned for Saturday, September 18. Calling hours are from 11 AM to 1 PM at the Flynn and Son/Koyen Funeral Home, 319 Amboy Ave, Metuchen. Due to the ongoing COVID virus, everyone attending will be expected to wear a mask and practice social distancing. All are invited to attend, or to make an entry in the online register at www.flynnfuneral.com .

Dominic was perhaps most proud of his dear wife and her work establishing and maintaining the school library at St. Francis Cathedral School. Those wishing to honor Dominic and Phyllis' lifelong commitment to family and community should direct donations to the Phyllis Walker Memorial Fund, which provides continued support to the school library, at St. Francis Cathedral, 32 Elm Ave, Metuchen, 08840