Former Wayland educator and resident Walter VanWert Rockwell III died Aug. 29, 2026, after a prolonged battle with multiple system atrophy (MSA). He was 64 years old.
Walter was born on Oct. 28, 1961. He grew up in Wayland with his mother Barbara (Male) Rockwell, and his siblings, splitting time with his father Walter Rockwell II in Connecticut.
Walter spent 22 years as a beloved educator in the Wayland public school, spending the majority of that time working at Happy Hollow Elementary School in Special Education, while his early years were spent at The Children’s Way Preschool.
He is survived by his wife Jennifer Rockwell, his daughters Ashley and Taylor and son Walter IV and their respective partners, and his two grandchildren Zen and Nolan. Walter is also survived by his brother John and his sister Barbara. He leaves behind many cousins, nieces, nephews, and loved ones. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, as well as his second grandchild Kamalani.
