Walter 'Walt' Szewczyk

Lee Center- Walter Szewczyk, age 97, of State Rt. 26, husband of Phyllis, passed away suddenly on Friday, March 29, 2019, at Sunset Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Boonville. He was born in Passaic, New Jersey, on January 27, 1922, a son of Stanley and Sophie Siek Szewczyk. Walter moved to his present home on Rt. 26, at the age of three; he received his education at District # 10, Rural School, Town of Lee, completing his education through grade 12 at West Leyden Central School. Much later in life, Mr. Szewczyk returned to his studies and earned his GED from Adirondack Senior High School, in Boonville. From 1940, until 1943, when he enlisted in the U.S. Army, Mr. Szewczyk was employed at Revere Copper & Brass Co. of Rome. On December 20, 1943, Walter entered active military service in the European Theater of WWII, where he participated in battles at Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe. During those battles, Mr. Szewczyk was wounded three times; in France, on November 15, 1944 and in Germany on December 24, 1944 and again in Germany, on January 21, 1945. In recognition of his heroic actions while serving his country, Mr. Szewczyk was awarded The EAME Theater Ribbon w/3 Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Medal, a Purple Heart w/2 Clusters and The Bronze Star Medal. On November 7, 1945, Mr. Szewczyk was honorably discharged with the rank of Staff Sergeant from the Army Separation Center at Camp Atterbury, Indiana. After serving his country, Walt returned to his parents farm and began employment in the wire stranding department at Spargo Wire Co. of Rome, a career lasting 37 years, until he retired in 1988. On June 14, 1947, Walt was united in marriage with Phyllis Szur, at Transfiguration Church, Rome. Afterwards the couple settled on Rt. 26, Lee Center, where they constructed their home and operated the Szewczyk family Holstein dairy farm on Stokes Hill for many years, retiring from farming in 2001. In celebration of their 60th anniversary Walt and Phyllis enjoyed an Alaskan cruise and also traveled throughout the state of Alaska including a trip to Mount McKinley, which they greatly enjoyed. Walt was an avid hunter and fisherman; both locally and in Canada. Mr. Szewczyk was a member of Transfiguration Church, Rome, the Polish Home of Rome and the Broadalbin NY American Legion. In addition to his wife, Phyllis, of nearly 72 years, Walt is survived by one daughter, Ms. Nadine Szewczyk, Ballston Spa, NY and by several nieces and nephews and a special niece, Sharon Stottlar, Angola, NY. He was predeceased by his sister, Stephanie S. Hoffert, in 2000 and by a nephew, Francis W. Hoffert and by several sister and brother in laws. The Szewczyk family wishes to extend a note of thanks and appreciation to the staff at Sunset Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Boonville, for the kind and compassionate care which was given to Walt. His Funeral will be on Saturday, April 6, at 9:00 A.M. at Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. 143 Schuyler St. Boonville, and at 10:00 A.M. at St. Marys Nativity Church, West Leyden, where Rev. Lawrence Marullo, pastor will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment in the spring will be in St. Marys Cemetery, West Leyden, with Military Honors from Charles J. Love Post American Legion, Harland J. Hennessey Post V.F.W. and The Tun Tavern Marine Corps League, all of Boonville. Calling hours are Friday 4-8 P.M. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Sunset Nursing & Rehabilitation Center Resident Activities Fund, 232 Academy St. Boonville, NY 13309.