Perhaps no one man did more to improve lives of young men in Hartford than Walter "Doc" Hurley Sr. He passed away at the age of 91 on Feb. 9 and a funeral service will be held this morning in the city that he did so much for.
Calling hours will be held at Faith Congregational Church, at 2030 Main Street in Hartford, today from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. The funeral will begin at 11 a.m.
"Doc" Hurley was the husband of the late Gwendolyn (Bannister) Hurley.
He was born in Albany, Georgia, but was raised in Hartford and graduated from Weaver High School.
During his college years, he joined the U.S. Marine Corp and served during World War II.
He began his teaching and coaching career at I.C.Norcom High School in Virginia, but moved back to Hartford in 1959 to teach physical education at Northeast Jones School.
After the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Doc was asked to come to Weaver High School to work with the students and retired in 1984 as assistant principal.
At Weaver, he inspired countless teens through his calming influence and ability to motivate encouragement through sports.
The Doc Hurley Foundation, created in 1975, has helped hundreds of young people continue their education and sports careers.
Doc Hurley will be buried with military honors at Mount St. Benedict Cemetery, Bloomfield.
Contributions may be made to the Faith Congregational Church, 2030 Main Street, Hartford, CT 06120.
