[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 141 (Monday, September 8, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S8124]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 REMEMBERING WALTER C. ``BUD'' O'MEARA

 Mr. LIEBERMAN. Mr. President, it is with a heavy heart that I 
honor today the memory of Walter C. ``Bud'' O'Meara, a teacher, coach, 
and good friend who passed away on August 3, 2008. I am deeply saddened 
by Walter's death and will keep his friends and family in my thoughts 
during this difficult time.
  Growing up in my hometown of Stamford, CT, Walter spent most of his 
free time at the local YMCA, where he developed a passion for sports. 
While attending Stamford High School--SHA--in the 1930s, Walter was 
captain of the basketball team and an all state quarterback. His 
abilities on the football field earned him a scholarship to Notre Dame, 
the most storied program in the history of college football, where he 
played under Coach Elmer Layden, one of the Four Horsemen.
  After graduating from Notre Dame, Walter joined the U.S. Navy, where 
he would become a lieutenant in the Naval Air Corps. While in the Navy, 
Walter married his wife, Grace, whom he had met on a blind date. They 
would remain married until Grace's death in 2005. As a member of Air 
Group 19, Walter flew bombers in the Pacific Combat Zone during the 
Second World War and was awarded the Air Medal for his service. Walter 
would keep in touch with his friends from Air Group 19 throughout his 
life.
  After the war, Walter returned to SHS as a teacher and coach. In 
1958, he was named head football coach, and proceeded to lead Stamford 
High to back-to-back State championships in 1958 and 1959. In addition 
to his duties as football coach, Walter also coached American Legion 
Baseball for 9 years. Again, Walter proved adept at getting the most 
out of his athletes, producing five State championship teams, and two 
regional champions.
  While his teams' accomplishments on the field are certainly 
impressive, Coach O'Meara's greatest contribution to Stamford High was 
the constant source of friendship and support he provided his students. 
Years later, his players still fondly recall the influence he had on 
them not just on the playing field but in life as well. When I attended 
SHS, all students, whether athletes or not, knew that Coach O'Meara was 
someone they could approach whenever they needed assistance.
  When he retired from coaching, Walter continued to serve as an 
administrator at SHS and managed the Roxbury Swimming and Tennis Club 
for over 25 years. He also worked as a professional football scout for 
9 years.
  However busy Walter was, he always made time for his family and 
friends. Those who knew him best said that no matter his professional 
success, his greatest pride was reserved for his 6 daughters, 11 
grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
  While I will miss my good friend Walter O'Meara, I take solace that 
his example will live on in all of us who were lucky to have known 
him.

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