Dr. Barrett Walker

Dr. Barrett C. Walker, age 93, died January 20, 2022, at Manchester Commons in Erie, Pa., after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Walker was born November 15, 1928, in Pittsburgh, Pa., to Thomas A. Walker and Clara E. (Urling) Walker.

Dr. Walker was an energetic, intelligent, kind, generous man with a witty sense of humor. He loved nature, travel, history, and his family. His younger days included adventures in hiking, canoeing, camping, exploring caves, and traveling with family. He maintained good health by walking daily as long as he was able. As a young man, he was patient, quiet and reserved. In later years, he became quite talkative and was known for his cheerful demeanor, always sharing clever, good-natured puns and jokes to bring a smile to everyone he encountered. Dr. Walker was loved by everyone who met him. 

Dr. Walker is predeceased by two wives, Barbara M. (Pierce) Walker and Catherine “Terry” (McDonough) Walker. Dr. Walker is survived by his brother, Thomas U. Walker, of Watertown, N.Y.; his two sons, Barrett P. Walker (Peggy), of Decatur, Ga., and Philip S. Walker (Betsey), of Orange Park, Fla.; four grandchildren, Kia Walker Copithorne (Brad), of Ashville, N.C., Evan Walker (Eliana), of Guam, Benjamin Walker, of Orange Park, Fla., and Jeffrey Walker of Orange Park, Fla.; and three great grandchildren (Effie, Emilia, and Enzio Walker). Dr. Walker is also survived by three stepchildren, Karl F. Frankovitch (Loretta), of Lewiston, N.Y., Frank J. Frankovitch (Sian Currie), of Great Britain, and Mark F. Frankovitch (Zrinka), of Houston, Texas; and nine Frankovitch grandchildren (Anna, Karl F. III, Eva, Isa, Oliver, Jing, Karl F, Mary, and Frank J). Dr. Walker is also survived by his dedicated care-giver and best friend, Shelly Westerburg, who gave so much for his care during his later years.

The staff at Woodside Place Unit in Manchester Commons should also be recognized as ‘top notch’ and very helpful to his care during his latter years. 

Dr. Walker graduated from Peabody High School in Pittsburgh, Pa., and continued his education at Washington and Jefferson University, then graduated cum laude (with honors) with a Doctoral of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the University of Pittsburgh in 1954. He attained the rank of Captain in the United States Air Force and was attached to the 3810 USAF Hospital at Maxwell Airforce Base in Montgomery, Ala. Dr. Walker moved to Erie, Pa., in 1958 to start his own dental practice. He closed the practice in the 1960s, changing his career path to financial management. Dr. Walker proudly sat on the Board of Directors at Mercyhurst University for 20 years and remained a trustee emeritus.

Dr. Walker became an avid philanthropist, establishing the Walker School of Business in 1995 and financing the building of the Catherine McDonough Walker Reading Room in the Hammermill Library and the Barrett and Catherine Walker Recital Hall, all at Mercyhurst University. Dr. Walker has supported cancer research and several programs throughout Erie, such as the Erie Community Foundation, Niagara League, Barber Center, Erie Philharmonic, Asbury Woods, Erie Historical Society, Church of the Covenant, and many others.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Burton Quinn Scott Cremation & Funeral Services Inc Downtown, 602 W 10^th St, Erie 16502. A memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to a local charity in need.

Send condolences at www.BurtonQuinnScott.com.