Walter L. Dry, Sr., a prominent Hernando County resident known for his founding of the Human Rights Coalition of Hernando County in 1998, Florida passed away on March 27, 2020. He was 86.
Hernando County Commissioner John Mitten served with Dry while serving on the board of the United Way. A charter member of the United Way, Dry was involved in several community events where he collaborated with Mitten.
Mitten describes Dry as “Very smart, very gentlemanly, and gracious,” and added that Hernando County will miss him.
Dry began as a Sergeant in the Air Force from 1950-1954. Dry went on to work in the Clinical Laboratory field in the New York and New Jersey area for 39 years (1950 to 1989). His last position, prior to coming to Florida, was as the Administrative Officer (GS-11) of the Pathology/Laboratory Service at the V. A. Medical Center, Bronx, NY.
Having an extensive background in Diagnostic Laboratory Medicine, Administration and Training. He managed the Clinical Laboratory for Dr. Charles Hochman, Bronx Medical Examiner (Union Hospital, Bronx, NY). He planned and built his own Clinical Laboratory (Omega Laboratory, Inc.) in Mt. Vernon, NY. He managed three other Clinical Laboratories in Westchester and Rockland Counties as the Laboratory Consultant for the Dept. of Health, Westchester County.
Mr. Dry planned and built the Clinical Laboratory for Daughters of Jacob Hospital, Bronx, NY, and Mt. Vernon Neighborhood Health Center, and also planned and built a private Clinical Laboratory (Associated Bio-Medical Services, New City, NY) for the Nyack Foundation for Healthcare, Nyack, NY.
Mr. Dry was one of the Founding Members of the Clinical Laboratory Management Association (CLMA NY Chapter) in 1973.
Outside of laboratory medicine, Mr. Dry held other distinctions, including a Life Member of the NAACP, Professional Bowler (1981-1989), President of the Englewood, NJ Democratic Club and first black Mayor of Englewood, NJ.
His second career was as an EEO Investigator/Consultant (Contractor) for the Department of Veterans Affairs (1989 -1999). He conducted over 300 EEO Investigations throughout the USA and Puerto Rico.
Mr. Dry’s extensive background and his commitment to God, Community & Country resulted in his leadership in the Methodist church and selection to many volunteer board positions.
(Portions courtesy of Walter Dry on LinkedIn)
