Walter C. Fingerhut, 86, a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel who also was a cryptologist for the National Security Agency, died of pancreatic cancer October 13, 2001, at his daughter's home in Chelan, Washington. A longtime McLean, Virginia, resident, he moved to Chelan in July.

Colonel Fingerhut, a native of New York, served in the Army from 1935 until 1958. He served in Italy during World War II and in Korea during the war there.

His decorations included a Silver Star and three Bronze Stars.

After retiring from the Army, he worked for NSA for 16 years until retiring again in 1974.

He was an avid swimmer, a rose garden enthusiast and a volunteer at Inova Fairfax Hospital.

His first wife, Grace Fingerhut, to whom he was married for 37 years, died in 1978. His second wife, Anna Fingerhut, died in 1990.

Survivors include two daughters from his first marriage, Jane E. Fingerhut of Chesapeake City, Maryland, and Mary Sherer of Chelan; a sister; and three grandchildren.

On October 13, 2001. Survivors include his daughters, Jane Fingerhut and Mary E. Sherer and her husband, Mike; grandchildren, Elizabeth, Michael and Daniel Sherer. He was preceded in death by wives, Grace Fingerhut and Ann Fingerhut. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. John's Catholic Church, 6420 Lynway Terrace, McLean, Virginia at 1 p.m. Interment Arlington National Cemetery at 3 p.m

Bronze Star
Medal (3)