Walter Irving Kuppel Jr., age 79, of Millville, NJ, went home to be with the Lord on May 28, 2025, surrounded by loved ones after a brief illness.

As Walt would often joke, he was "born when I was very young!"—that date, for the rest of us, was September 24, 1945. He primarily grew up in Egg Harbor City and was a 1963 graduate of Oakcrest High School.

Walter was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Kuppel Sr. and Florence (Fenton) Kuppel, as well as his sister Elaine and her husband “Butch” Conforti.

Walt proudly served in the United States Army from April 1967 to December 1968 in the Republic of Vietnam. He was stationed at Nha Trang, Pleiku, Da Nang, and Camp Carroll on the DMZ, and he bravely served during the Tet Offensive. Upon returning home, he used the GI Bill to earn an Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts from Atlantic County Community College.

He went on to become a licensed Professional Land Surveyor and Professional Planner, working throughout the South Jersey region. While living in Egg Harbor Township, Walt served his community as a member of the Township Environmental Committee (always reminding others to “please recycle”) and the Township Municipal Utilities Authority.

Walt was involved in countless activities and organizations. He coached youth football for Egg Harbor Township in the Atlantic County Junior Football League and served as a New Jersey high school football official for 26 years. He was a member of the Scullville Volunteer Fire Company for 25 years and was an avid outdoorsman—hunting and fishing were true passions. He was a longtime member of the Pinehurst Sportsman’s Club and later the Bayview Gun Club, where he served as club secretary. He was also affiliated with the New Jersey State Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs and the National Rifle Association.

Above all, Walt cherished time with family, especially their annual trips to Walt Disney World. He knew the parks inside and out and loved nothing more than sharing that joy with his loved ones, creating years of treasured memories.

Walt is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 30 years, Diane R. (Howard) Kuppel; his daughters Christina (Jimmy) Centeno, Rene' (Robby) Hogan, and Michele Mattle; and his granddaughters Chelsea, Lily, Madisen, and Paige. He also leaves behind many extended family members and lifelong friends who were like family.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, from 9:00 to 11:00 am at Christy Funeral Home, 11 West Broad Street, Millville, NJ. A graveside service with military honors will begin at 11:30 am at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Millville, NJ. Memories of Walt and condolences for his family may be shared on his tribute wall.