Walter E. Conn

Walter E. “Walt” Conn, a beloved professor, scholar, editor and mentor passed away on February 2, 2026 at the age of 85, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in the field of Christian ethics and the hearts of those who had the privilege to know him.

Walt was born in Providence, Rhode Island and attended nearby Providence College. After graduation he began seminary studies with the Jesuits for his vocational path. He received his PhD. From a joint program of Columbia University and the Union Theological Seminary in New York. While there in 1969 he met Sister Joann Wolski, IHM, who was in the same program and their friendship turned to love. Walt declined to proceed to ordination and they directed to academic careers while continuing their deeply held Catholic faith and joining in marriage in 1972

In 1977 Walt joined the Theology Department at Villanova University. Walt was already an established scholar, author of an important book and a number of articles in highly ranked journals. He continued his writing at Villanova and won the Villanova Outstanding Research Award a mere five years into his career of thirty- five years. He produced four more influential books focusing on the development of conscience as well as numerous articles. A devoted educator, he inspired countless students, some of whom stayed in contact with him for many years.

During his Villanova tenure Walt also acquired a Masters Degree in Counseling and for several years he volunteered at Catholic Social Services in West Chester.

Walt served on many committees at Villanova including the Faculty Council, the Faculty Senate and as an officer of the American Association of University Professors. His three decades of service to his profession as editor of Horizons the Journal of the College Theology Society was enormous as he took a young journal and matured it into one of the most outstanding journals in Theology in the United States. In recognition of his many contributions he was awarded the Villanova Faculty Service Award.

His academic accomplishments were paralleled by a rich personal life. Walt was married for 54 years, a testament to his enduring partnership and love of Joann. He cherished summers spent at his beloved Eagles Mere in Pennsylvania where he found solace and joy affectionately referring to his home there as “The Long Retreat” and continuing his life-long love of tennis.

Walt was the beloved husband of Joann, the loving uncle of his three nephews, Steven, William and Robert Gilchrist. He is predeceased by his sister Frances Gilchrist. He is also survived by many friends at Dunwoody Village, and countless colleagues and friends at Villanova and Eagles Mere.

Relatives and friends are invited to honor Walt’s life at a Visitation on Thursday, February 12, 2026,  9:30 to 10:30 am at St. Anastasia Church, 3301 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, PA 19073, followed by a Funeral Mass commencing at 10:30 am. Interment private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Walt’s memory would be appreciated to Jesuits USA East Province, 39 East 83rd Street, New York, NY 10028 https://www.jesuits.org/.