Walter Conn ’55 passed peacefully in his sleep surrounded by his family after a hard-fought battle with cancer on Sep. 18, 2014. Walter was born on May 10, 1934, in Canton, Ohio, to Marguerite and Thomas Conn. He was the middle child of five. Walter spent the majority of his childhood in Southern California, attended Cathedral High School and South Pasadena-San Marino High School. He attended Santa Clara University on a football scholarship and also boxed for the University. Later-on he played football and boxed for the Army in the US and Europe. Walter graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in History and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the US Army.

He served in a variety of positions and ultimately as a Missile officer overseeing Nike Missile sites on the west coast prior to being honorably discharged as a Captain. Walter began work at Charles Dunn Company and founded the property management business in 1963. He grew the business from one small apartment building under management to a portfolio of over 25 million square feet, with several hundred employees. In 1995 he purchased the company from the Dunn family and other partners, and has led the firm as it’s Chairman ever since. A prolific philanthropist, Walter served on a variety of charitable and school boards, giving money, time and support to countless charities and institutions over his lifetime. He was always more concerned with the well being of his business associates, employees and anyone else he encountered rather than himself. His door was always open to lend an ear, give advice and help anyone needing him. Walter always placed a high priority on family, and instilled that family would always come first, above all else. He loved unconditionally. His other passions included traveling the world, especially Asia, and classical music, in particular opera. He was a humble, simple, quick witted and inspiring leader that will be missed by many.

Walter is survived by his wife Donna, daughter Eileen and sons Patrick and Walter, his grandchildren Isabella and Tucker, his sister Barbara McAndrews and brother James Conn ’59, 16 nieces and nephews and many other extended family. He is reunited with his parents and brothers Paul Conn ’50, Fr. Francis Conn, S.J., and Fr. Thomas Conn, S.J. who passed before him.