He oozed enthusiasm, especially when it came to sports and more especially the local teams -- amateur, pro, high school or college; and most especially when he found a connection between an athlete and faith. Walter "Wally" Carew died in Randolph on April 28. He was 72.

He had been a valued staff writer for The Pilot in the '90s. Not only did he write about sports, but he relished writing the stories of priests, whether it was a newly ordained's interview; a recently named pastor's biography; or the obituary of one of Boston's priests. His writing career was capped by publication of two books: "A Farewell to Glory" a history of the once intense rivalry between Boston College and the College of the Holy Cross's athletic teams; and "Men of Spirit, Men of Sports" a series of interviews and biographies of players and coaches from the realm of sport.

For a number of years, Wally was also a staff member of the Catholic Cemetery Association of the archdiocese. Much more than a salesman, he brought a sympathetic ear and heart to his salesman's job.

A man of deep personal faith and veteran of the US Army with service in Vietnam, Wally was the husband of Mary (Michalowski) Carew. In addition to his wife, he leaves his siblings Mary Kenny, Concord; James, Vt.; Chrissy McEwen, N.H.; and Dennis, Marblehead.

His Funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Bernadette Church, Randolph on May 4 with burial following in the Carew Family lot at St. Bernard Cemetery, Concord.