Walter Hobbs

Lieutenant Walter Hobbs served in the United States Naval Air Corps. When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, Walter Hobbs was away at college, attending Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Upon coming home for vacation to Manhasset, where his father worked taking care of the famed Whitney Estate, Walter enlisted in the United States Naval Air Corps. 

After completing basic training in North Carolina, Walter started flight training in Florida. After spending some time in Oklahoma, Walter was assigned to the Pacific Theater, flying PBY amphibian planes for search and rescue missions. Walter helped patrol the waters surrounding the Pacific islands, where some of the fi ercest battles of the war in the Pacific took place.

After the war ended, he returned home to Manhasset, where he met the love of his life, Joan, at a polo match.

Joan and Walter had a lot in common, since she also served in the Navy after the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service, or WAVES, began. The couple made their home in Mineola and just recently, on April 30, celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary.

Over the years, Walter has become active in the Mineola community, serving in the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion Post, as well as on the Mineola Library Board. Walter’s and Joan’s contributions to the community were recognized when the art gallery in the library was named after them.

Walter is always willing to share his vast knowledge of Long Island and of history - and all those who know him have come to count on his insight and guidance. He is a true treasure in the community. We gratefully thank Walter Hobbs for his service to our country.