Walter Coling Throne

Walter Coling Throne, 78 years old, died peacefully on October 21, 2023 in Florida in the loving care of his family with the support of Halifax Health Hospice. Walt was born and lived in Syracuse, New York. He graduated from West Genesee High School in 1963. Walt managed the garden shop for Sears Roebuck in Fairmount and worked for years in the wholesale garden industry. In 1975 he opened his own business, Walt’s Hobby in Geddes. It continues today as Walt’s HobbyTown in Lakeland, owned now by Bruce Throne. Walt was very active in several areas. He turned his lifelong interest in model airplanes into a career. He was active in the Aero-Radio Club of Syracuse (ARCS), the Syracuse Thunderbirds (STARS), the Mountain RC Club in Old Forge, and The Indian River Club in Florida. Walt was not just a member, he served as Secretary, Vice President, and President. He was a proud member of the Academy of Model Aeronautics. Besides winning their Vital People Award, he is in the Hall of Fame for the national organization. He loved sprint cars and got involved with Empire Super Sprint Club. He served as chairman on their Board of Directors, won the John Zentner Award and is in their Hall of Fame. As an independent store owner, he was very instrumental in the formation of NRHSA (National Retail Hobby Store Association). As you might guess, he served on the Board and as President. And he is also in their Hall of Fame.. He also served on the Board of the Radio Control Hobby Trade Association (RCHTA). Walt’s Hobby won a Small Business Award. He did not do things halfway and was an asset to each organization. He spent a lot of time camping with his family in the Adirondacks. His love of the area was instilled in his children and grandchildren. He and Jeanette were able to purchase a cottage on First Lake in Old Forge. It was truly his piece of heaven. His last summer was spent enjoying the lake with his friends and family. Walt was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was extremely proud to have been the best man at his son Bruce’s wedding. Besides spending time in his beloved Adirondacks, he and Jeanette visited all fifty of the states. He was an avid “Orange” fan and a good golfer. He spent the majority of his retirement years in New Smyrna Beach, Florida where he loved visiting the ocean, playing golf, flying his radio-controlled model airplanes and making new friends. He was predeceased by his mother Esther Coling Sheley, his father Robert P. Throne II, and a brother, Robert P. Throne III. He is survived by his bride of 58 years, Jeanette Belusch Throne, his son Bruce Throne (Mary Lawrence), daughter Elizabeth Throne Hatcher (Roger), sister, Suzanne Throne Britner, grandchildren Megan Throne Russo (Anthony), Sierra Justice, Abby Justice (Dave Mohr), Cassidy Justice, several nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, one great-great nephew and Lola. Walt endured several health issues and he and his family were so thankful for the excellent care given to him by Dr. Zafar Latif, who treated his cancer with skill and compassion, and Dr. Jesna Sublett, who gave him a year and a half of relief from back pain, and Dr. Frank Taub, who performed the initial surgery that saved his life. To all the other medical professionals who helped him, our family is eternally thankful. A special thank you to the staff at Halifax Hospice for making it as peaceful as possible for our family. Walt has flown his last flight and can now rest in peace. Calling hours will be Saturday November 11, 2023, from 2 to 5 pm at B.L. Bush and Sons, 10 Genesee Street, Camillus New York 13031. Private services will follow. Private family burial in summer at Riverview Cemetery in Old Forge, New York. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Halifax Hospice Care Center, 4140 US Highway 1, Edgewater, Florida 32141 or online https://halifaxhealth.org/hospice-donation-portal or The Academy of Model Aeronautics, 5161 E. Memorial Drive, Muncie, IN 47302 or online https://www.modelaircraft.org/donate. Please sign his guestbook at www.BLBUSH.com

Walter Coling Throne

June 15, 1945 - October 21, 2023