Walter James Arrison

Walter James Arrison (July 13, 1936-October 10, 2025)

Walt Arrison, Philadelphia native and long-time Lansdale resident, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 10, 2025. After a career in construction as a licensed surveyor, superintendent manager, and proud member of the Carpenter’s Union, Walt traded his working boots for hiking boots, traveling extensively throughout Europe and South America, always keeping and sharing a detailed journal of his exploits. (His journal was aptly named “A Guy Walks into a Bar…”). He loved playing and coaching basketball with friends and family. His active lifestyle led naturally to time spent at the Lansdale YMCA participating in, and eventually teaching, yoga, kickboxing, and spin classes. His greatest joy (even beyond witnessing two Eagles’ Super Bowl victories after decades of torment as a season ticket holder) was spending time with his 8 grandchildren— Erika and Michelle Nolan, Nicole and Eddie Arrison, Tommy and Connor O’Chuida, and Graham and Bryn Arrison. In addition to his grandchildren, Walt is survived by his children Ed (Tammy White), Meg (Shawn Nolan), Linda O'Chuida, and Dan (Darla Everly), and his sisters Anna (Doyle) and Patricia (Gaffney). Sadly, he was preceded in death by his oldest child Jim in 2014. In lieu of flowers, Walt has requested donations to the United Cerebral Palsy Organization www.ucp.org in his name in support of his awesome grandson Connor O’Chuida.

Join Walt’s family and friends for a Celebration of Life on Sunday, 11/23 from 1-5pm at the Commodore John Barry Arts and Cultural Center, 6815 Emlen street, Philadelphia, PA 19119. https://theirishcenter.org/