Birth date: Feb 12, 1929 Death date: May 24, 2020
LECHTEN, Walter M. Age 91, of Lake Worth, Fl., and formerly of Newton, Ma., passed on May 24, 2020 after an heroic battle with pancreatic cancer. He was the beloved husband of 65 years to Charlotte Becker Lechten. He was born on F Read Obituary
Very saddened to hear of Mr. Lechten’s passing. He was my role model and I recently retired after a forty-two year career as a PE teacher and coach. I decided on that career path in 7th grade totally from Walter Lechten’s influence. A very righteous man, Rest In Peace.
Growing up he was always Mr.Lechten.He carried himself with dignity and taught as well as lived the lesson of respect .He did not care how good you were at a sport or activity but rather your effort and conduct.A very special educator who taught boys how to be men
He was a very caring man who gave his all TO all of his students. Many thanks for pushing us all in the right direction. Rest In Peace Wally.
As a former student from 40 years ago, I still remember "Wally," Mr. Lechten, as a kind and understanding and dedicated gym teacher who gave everyone a chance no matter their ability. He had a way of making us all feel equally valued, as I recall. My condolences to the family and close friends. Wally clearly lived a rich and full life, and will be remembered fondly by so many.
A great gym teacher and greater person. So many fond memories from those after-school intramural games. I think we learned more of life in those sessions than in any of the other classes during the school day.
Bob Novack Devotion '65
I happened to be back in Brookline and visiting Devotion school the day Mr. Lechten was retiring and was asked to get on stage and say a few words. It was that day I realized how much he had shaped my life. Mr. Lechten taught me how to be an athlete. Taught me about sports and competition. As a gym teacher those things are obviou.s. But more importantly he taught me how to be a gracious winner and loser. He taught me how to constantly challenge myself. To do one more pull up or run a little faster. That I could always be a little better if I worked at it every day. When I got cocky hitting his fastball at batting practice he would throw me a curve ball to remind me I had more to learn. He taught me to believe in myself. To rise up to the occasion. How to be a hero....and always let me know when I should be proud. And that I could if I put my mind to it....do anything. Without him I would not have had the tools I needed to play high school sports. I would not have become a college football later. I am not sure I would have had the confidence to peruse my dreams or be a leader when I’m working. He planted the seeds for all those things.without knowing it Mr. Lechten was one of the most important figures to help shape my future. He was a great and kind man and will be missed.
A former student 40 years ago... We never forget the great teachers that made an impact. Thank you Mr Lechton.
We have many fond memories of Walter and Charlotte as neighbors on Columbine Road in Newton, Massachusetts. They were wonderful years watching our children grow up and sharing many life events. How blessed we were.......Phyllis and Raanan Katz
Mr. Lechten was my all time favorite PE teacher. As pre-teens and young teens, he fostered a sense of competence and power in our physical abilities in my friends and me. This was unusual for girls at that time. He taught me to throw a football, pitch a softball, and be fiercely competitive in a kind way. The confidence and commitment to fitness that he instilled in us helped us to become the strong people we are today. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.
Katy O’Reilly McGraw
Devotion School Class of 1983
He was a Great gym teacher and a wonderful person
