Walter Anthony Deerson, 97, of South River, NJ passed away surrounded by his loving family on Monday, July 15, 2024.
Walter was born on February 23, 1927 in Newburyport, MA to Anthony and Jennie Olehnowicz (née Borowska). Walter later changed his last name in 1953 to ‘Deerson’, making it easier to obtain a job.
In 1945, as a senior in High School Walter enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he would serve as a radar operator at the Naval Air Station in Olathe, Kansas. He was honorably discharged in 1946, never having been on a naval ship! Following his time in the service, Walter returned to High School, and went on to earn a BS in Business Administration at Northeastern University, sponsored by the GI Bill. Walter then worked for Boston Gearworks in Quincy, MA until moving to New Jersey in 1966, where he continued his work as a hydraulic equipment salesman. Despite moving, Walter remained a loyal Boston sports fan, always cheering on his beloved Red Sox and Patriots.
Walter was a faithful Orthodox Christian throughout his entire life, and initially belonged to the Salem “R” Club Chapter of the Fellowship of the Orthodox Christians in America (F.O.C.A.), through which he met his future wife, Carol (nee Loch) at a National F.O.C.A. Convention. Walter’s steadfast participation in the F.O.C.A. also spurred his love of polka music and polka dancing - only with the proper shoes of course! In New Jersey, Walter was a faithful parishioner of SS. Peter and Paul Russian Orthodox Church, in South River for 57 years. Every Sunday he would sell candles behind the desk and insist on “no large bills!”
Walter had a love for travel, having been on over 50 cruises to destinations around the world with his wife and family. Walter also had a love of photography, he was often snapping shots of his grandchildren at their various sports games, of which he attended every single one. Walter faithfully drove each of his grandchildren to and from school, instilling a sense of punctuality and a love for dum dum’s lollipops into each of them.
Walter was predeceased by his parents, Jennie and Anthony, and his brothers, Victor and John. He is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Carol; his daughter, Allison and husband, Michael; his son, David and wife, Angela; and his five grandchildren, Alexis, Andrew, Arianna, Sebastian, and Cheyne.
A Funeral Service will be held at SS. Peter and Paul Russian Orthodox Church, 76 Whitehead Ave, South River, NJ on Monday, July 22 at 10:00 a.m followed by interment at SS Peter and Paul Cemetery, 11 Raymond Place, South River, NJ 08882. A viewing will be held at the church on Sunday, July 21 from 3:00 pm to 7:00pm, with a Panikhida Service at 6:30 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to SS Peter and Paul Russian Orthodox Church, South River. Attention: Walter Deerson Fund
Fond memories, expressions of sympathy or condolence messages may be shared at www.McCrackenFuneralHome.com for the Deerson family.
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