Walter J. Tampellini Jr.

Walter J. Tampellini Jr., 71, of Mills, WY passed away following a brief illness on July 15, 2026 at Swedish Medical Center in Englewood, CO with both of his daughters by his side. He was born on March 17, 1955 in New Haven, CT, to Walter J Tampellini Sr and Theresa Tampellini (DiRienzo). Growing up in Derby, CT, he was the oldest of three children and spent many years involved in the Boy Scouts organization. He always had a love for the outdoors, baseball, and his family. 

After graduating from Derby High School in 1974, Walt served briefly in the United States Air Force, going through basic training in San Antonio, TX and then stationed at FE Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, WY as a security policeman. While stationed in Cheyenne, Walt met the love his life, Ruby Rider. They began dating in April of 1977, were married October 28, 1977 and were nearing their 49th wedding anniversary at the time of his passing. After leaving the USAF, Walt built a lifelong career around law enforcement and security including serving as a police officer in Glenrock, WY, several hotel security positions, and many years as Chief of Security/Night Manager at the Parkway Plaza Hotel. 

Beyond his career, he loved all the things the beauty of Wyoming had to offer including hiking, camping, and hunting. Walt also had a real love for baseball and especially New York Yankees baseball. He never met a stranger and anyone who met Walt was guaranteed to be greeted with a smile, kind words, many stories, and the best hugs. He was a devoted and loving father to Stephanie Seaman (Nick) and Amber Manning (Carroll), who will miss him more than words can express but are both left with fond memories, too many Dad jokes to recall, and many life lessons he taught them. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walt Sr and Theresa Tampellini and his in-laws, Rube and Jeanette Rider, as well as his grandparents and various other family members. 

He leaves behind a legacy of love and is survived by not only his wife and two daughters but also four grandkids, Samantha Tampellini of Texas, Kaleb Roberts, Nathan Roberts, and Zachary Roberts of Casper, WY, as well as three great grandsons, Carson Myers, Colton Myers, and Cameron Myers of Texas. 

A celebration of Walt’s life will be held on Friday, August 7th from 6pm to 8pm at the Best Western Downtown in Casper, WY (formerly Parkway Plaza). In lieu of flowers please make donations to a Veteran's organization of your choice.