Walter Francis Dzialo

Walter Francis Dzialo, the youngest child of Franciszek and Wladyslawa (Kubik) Dzialo, passed into eternal life on January 3, 2021. Born in Ludlow, MA on February 15, 1939, Walter grew up in Chicopee, attending Chicopee High School (class of 1956) where he was known as “Vad” and where he met cherished, life-long friends. He then received a B.A. from Western New England College and soon after in 1962, was commissioned into the United States Air Force where he would spend the next 22 years specializing in traffic and logistics management, retiring in 1984 as a Lieutenant Colonel. Following a short stint in defense contracting, Walt had a second career in civil service, retiring for a final time in 2010.

Truly a man who never met a stranger, Walt would strike up conversations with virtually anyone based on the smallest commonality - wearing a “B” hat made you fair game. His kindness and warmth made it easy for people to talk to him and this was one of the greatest joys of his life. One of Walt’s favorite pastimes was Thursday night poker. It spanned decades and was attended and enjoyed by many close friends and colleagues. Walt also loved to golf and was a born and bred Red Sox fan (see “B” hat). He was very proud of his Polish heritage and one of the highlights of his life was visiting Poland and seeing his father’s birthplace with his beloved older brother, Fred.

But what ultimately defined Walt was his devotion to his family. He was a loving and doting husband to Sherry for 23 happy years that were filled with joy and adventure. His children, who he shared with his first wife (Gail Chartier Barrett), were the world to him and everything he did, he did for them. That included assailing them with the worst dad-jokes and the most terrible puns known to man. His adored grandchildren, Alexander and Nicole, also subjected to his corny humor, reveled in Dziadziu’s silliness.

He is survived by his loving wife Sherry Lee Dzialo, his children Robin Dzialo Hatton (Sean Hatton) of Mountain Brook, AL, Todd Dzialo (Dianne Dzialo) of Alexandria, VA, Kim Lauer Martin (Andy Martin) of Montgomery, AL and Kevin Lauer (Linda Lauer) of Chesapeake, VA and his grandchildren Alexander John Hatton, Nicole Marie Hatton, and Dylan Thomas Martin (Mary Frances Martin). He is also survived by his brother-in-law Richard Lukasik of South Hadley, MA along with many nieces and nephews. Walter is preceded in death by his son Mark Andrew Dzialo, his granddaughter Makenzie Rae Martin, his brothers Thaddeus Dzialo and Dr. Frederick J. Dzialo, and his sister, Helen Dzialo Lukasik.

Due to Covid-19 and the church’s limited seating capacity, the family has requested a private funeral mass. It will be celebrated at St. Bede the Venerable Catholic Church, 3870 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery, AL 36109 at 11AM on January 13, 2021. In lieu of flowers a contribution may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN.