Gail "Walt" Hamilton Middy

Gail “Walt” Hamilton Middy
March 8, 1949 – July 25, 2025

Gail Hamilton Middy, known to all as Walt, passed away at home, leaving behind a family who loved him deeply, even as they chuckle at the idea that he probably still hasn’t returned their last phone call.

Born on March 8, 1949, Walt was raised by his grandparents in Coshocton, Ohio. He went on to graduate from The Ohio State University and remained a lifelong fan of Buckeye football.

Walt had a quiet but steady presence. Though not always one for long conversations, he showed up when it mattered. If you asked for help, and he could do it, he did.

He filled his life with the things he loved. Weekends in the fall were for football, with the OSU Buckeyes and Cleveland Browns games playing loud enough to carry through open windows. Whenever he could, he was on the water as a proud Bassmaster competitor, his tackle box packed with more squishy, wobbly, multicolored worms than you’d see at a Bass Pro Shops. At home, he never missed an episode of Star Trek, raising his children on every series. And he carried a fascination with the universe, taking to heart Carl Sagan’s reminder that “we are all made of star stuff”—a sentiment he permanently marked in 2014 with his first and only tattoo, a stylized peptide chain meant to symbolize that very idea.

Walt is survived by his daughter, Beth Cook (Pete Cook) of Truro, MA; his son, Marcus Middy of Columbus, OH; and four grandchildren: Em and Travis Frey, and Tommy and Irene Cook. He was predeceased by his son, Jay Middy, and by his partner of over 12 years, Mary, who passed away in May 2024 after a series of hospitalizations.

He was the son of Anne McNary and stepson of Fred McNary.

Walt lived life on his own terms—independent, politically sharp, and full of opinions. He’ll be remembered for his love of football, fishing, and the wonder of the stars above.

And now, he has returned to the star stuff he always believed we came from.