NEWBURY — Geoffrey “Geof” Hyde Walker, a longtime Newbury public servant, business owner and award-winning conservationist whose work helped protect the Great Marsh, died on Monday, July 6, 2026, surrounded by his family at his home. He was 79.
Walker was born on Feb. 22, 1947, and was the only child of the late Henry A. “Hank” Walker and Alice Hyde Walker.
Walker began serving the Town of Newbury in 1997 and spent 18 years as a member of the Select Board. He also served on the Newbury Planning Board, Conservation Commission, Merrimack River Beach Alliance and Merrimack Valley Planning Commission.
Town officials remembered Walker as a thoughtful and collaborative leader who brought a calm, practical approach to municipal government and mentored generations of local officials.
“Geoffrey Walker’s many years of service to the Town of Newbury strengthened our community in ways that will endure,” Select Board Chair William DiMaio said. “His collaborative spirit guided countless Select Board deliberations, his steady problem-solving shaped thoughtful decisions, and his unwavering dedication to our marshes and local ecology protected the natural heritage we all cherish. We are grateful for, and we will always remember his leadership, his mentoring, his friendship and his lasting contributions to Newbury.”
According to his obituary, Walker spent more than two decades advocating for the protection of the Great Marsh and Newbury’s open spaces. His conservation work included efforts involving invasive species, habitat restoration, and environmental policy.
Walker was named New England Conservationist of the Year in 2005. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts dedicated the Geoffrey H. Walker Salisbury Marsh Overlook in his honor the following year, according to Newbury Town Administrator Tracy Blais.
In 2013, Walker received the Longard Volunteer Award from the Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment in recognition of his contributions to protecting the Great Marsh ecosystem.
Walker was also named to AgeSpan’s “50 over 60” list in 2024, which recognizes older adults in the Merrimack Valley and North Shore whose lives and work inspire others.
“Geoffrey dedicated so much of his life to serving Newbury and protecting the natural resources that make our community special,” Town Administrator Blais said. “His leadership, knowledge, and generosity touched the lives of many. Geoffrey leaves behind a legacy of public service that will be present in Newbury for generations to come.”
Walker graduated from Tilton Academy and Clark University before earning a master’s degree through the Teacher Corps.
A former educator and entrepreneur, Walker founded and served as president of Big Al’s Auto Parts in Seabrook and Rye, New Hampshire. His obituary described him as bringing the same “no nonsense, service first ethic” to his business that he brought to conservation and public service.
Outside of his work, Walker enjoyed hunting, fishing, motorcycles and crafting duck decoys.
Walker is survived by his wife of 55 years, Josette Bonasoro Walker; his sons, Nathan Walker and his fiancée, Jennifer Dewar, and Joshua Walker and his fiancée, Heather Quigly; and his grandchildren, Hunter Henry Walker and Skylar Jo Walker.
He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Vincent Bonasoro; sister-in-law, Teresa Bonasoro; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Walker’s life will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2026, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Lower Green in Newbury. A service will begin at 6 p.m.
Additional parking will be available at Old Town Hall, 25 High Road, and the Newbury Police Department, 7 Morgan Ave. Shuttle transportation will be provided.
In lieu of flowers, Walker’s family requested that donations be made in his memory to the Anna Jaques Hospital Community Health Foundation, 25 Highland Street, Newburyport, in honor of Dr. Saira Naseer.
