Walter L. Rooke Jr., age 90, of the Hungry Hill section of Springfield, was called safely home on Wednesday, September 20, 2017, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Springfield, son of the late Walter and Bernadette (Manning) Rooke. He earned his Associates Degree in Criminal Justice from S.T.C.C., Bachelor’s Degree from W.N.E.C. and Master’s Degree from A.I.C., all in Springfield. Walter began a career in Law Enforcement with the City of Springfield Police Department in 1952, and retired with the rank of Captain in 1992 after serving honorably for forty years. He was a United States Navy veteran of World War II, serving in the South Pacific. As the war was winding down, Walter and his fellow Seabees were captured by the Japanese and held prisoner, enduring great hardships. He was awarded the WWII Victory Medal, American Area Medal and the Asiatic Pacific Medal for his service. He was a member of American Legion Post 420 in East Springfield and a Life Member of the John Boyle O’Reilly Club. Walter enjoyed golfing, vacationing at Misquamicut Beach and having great pride in keeping the greenest lawn on Hungry Hill. He is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Marion (Moran) Rooke; five children: Kathleen, Fran (primary care provider), Tom and wife Nancy, Eileen and Timothy. The joys of his life were his nine beloved grandchildren: Kristen, Jennifer, Michael, Julie, Jason, Jennifer, Lauren, Thomas and Sara; and six great-grandchildren. Also, his brothers Leonard and Michael, and a sister Mary Lundrigan, as well as many nieces and nephews. Walter was predeceased by four brothers: Kenneth, Ralph, George and Donald. Relatives and Friends are invited to meet at Sacred Heart Church, 395 Chestnut Street, Springfield, for Walter’s Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, September 26^th at 9:30 a.m. Committal with United States Navy Honors will follow at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main Street, Agawam. The Rooke family will accept condolences prior to the Mass at Sacred Heart Church from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton St. Holyoke is handling arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to American Diabetes Association, 260 Cochituate Road, Suite 200, Framingham, MA 01701 or the Mass Fallen Hero Project, 100 Hallet Street, Boston, MA 02124 or the Ride-to-Remember, 1500 Main Street, P.O. Box 15265, Springfield, MA 01115.