Walter Joseph “Joe” Washburn, 84, of Simsbury, husband of the late Margaret (Heenie) Washburn, died peacefully Tuesday, December 20, 2022 at McLean in Simsbury. He was born May 21, 1938 in Saratoga Springs, NY, son of the late Gorden Walter and Elizabeth Marie (Gallo) Washburn. He lived in the home he designed on Indian Hill Road in Canton for thirty years before moving to Cobleskill, New York, then back to Connecticut. Joe worked in a bakery while attending university and supporting him mother in their Berlin home. He graduated Southern Connecticut State College, Class of 1962, having received his Masters Degree in Art Education with a thesis that was pioneering in the field of multidisciplinary approaches to public arts curriculum. As an Art Teacher in the West Hartford school system for nearly forty years, Joe was loved by his students for his enthusiastic and eclectic approach in the classroom, and for including works from every student in his twice-yearly school-wide art exhibitions. He made art available and enjoyable for everyone. He was a member of the Boy Scouts having reached honor of Eagle Scout. Joe loved all forms of art, from paper-making, to textile art, sculpture to stained glass, and carried his aesthetic approach through to his love of gardening and keeping a meticulous home.

He is survived by his daughter, Malissa Washburn Groome and husband Wes Groome of Perth, Australia; his brother, Gordon Washburn and wife Texie of Bristol; his sister, Elizabeth Joan Bulger of Schoharie, NY; his grandchildren, Lily, Zachary and Aidan Groome of Perth, Australia and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by brothers Ronnie, Bobby and Frank.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, January 12th at the Vincent Funeral Home, 880 Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury. Burial will be private. Donations in his memory may be made to the Canton Land Conservation Trust, P.O. Box 41, Canton Center, CT 06020. Please visit Joe’s Book of Memories at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online tributes.