Walter B. Ardini

Walter B. Ardini, 89, of Manchester died peacefully at home on January 12, 2005 following a period of declining health. Mr. Ardini was born on October 19, 1915 in Medford, MA, the son of the late Benjamin and Rose (Arata) Ardini. He was a U. S. Navy veteran who served during World War II and the Korean Conflict. After his honorable discharge in 1953, Mr. Ardini was a sign painter and window displayman for Liggett Drug Stores and then for his own company, Suburban Display Service. Mr. Ardini had a life-long interest in the Boy Scouts of America, beginning in 1927. He achieved the level of Life Scout and remained involved in scouting organizations in both Massachusetts and New Hampshire, typically as camp counselor, commissioner or committee member, until his death. He was awarded their Silver Beaver award in 1981 and was designated a James E. West Fellow in 1993. He also worked for almost twenty-five years at the Lawrence L. Lee Scouting Museum in Manchester, New Hampshire. He was a member of the Medford, MA Lodge of Elks, American Legion Post 45, Disabled American Veterans, and Blinded Veterans Association. He also donated over four gallons of blood to the American Red Cross. Family members include; his wife of 20 years, Julia (Tyler) Ardini; two sons, Richard Ardini of Vienna, VA and Robert Ardini of Colorado Springs, CO; four daughters, Patricia Hayes of Burlington, MA, Ellen Biebesheimer of Colorado Springs, CO, Elizabeth “Betty” Walsh of Manchester, CT and Pauline Mann of Springville, NY; two stepdaughters, Kathy Dutra of Manchester and Paulette Stewart of RI; 16 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren; one great great granddaughter; and several nieces and nephews. Mr. Ardini was predeceased by his first wife, Margaret (Flynn) Ardini who died in 1980, and was also predeceased by his six brothers and sisters. Calling hours will be Friday evening from 5:00 until 8:00 PM at The Cremation Society of New Hampshire (an affiliate of Phaneuf Funeral Home), 243 Hanover Street in Manchester. There will be a Memorial Service on Saturday at 11:00 AM in the chapel with military honors to follow. Burial will take place this spring in the family lot at Oak Grove Cemetery in Medford, MA. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to the Lawrence L. Lee Scouting Museum, Bodwell Road, Manchester, NH 03109.