Walter Joseph Hushak

Walter J. Hushak, 98, of Southington, husband of the late Ruth (Stephens) Hushak, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 28, 2022. Walter was born on October 6, 1923 in Southington and was son of the late Walter and Wanda (Stack) Hushak.

After graduating Lewis High School, class of 1941, he entered the military and proudly served our country as a member of the United States Army Air Corps during World War II. Walter flew seven missions as a B-24 Liberator Bomber pilot during the Western Pacific Offensive and also provided air support during the Battle of Iwo Jima in February, 1945. He was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal and the WWII Victory medal for his bravery while a member of the 7th Airforce, 30th Bombardment Group, 27th Squadron. He remained in the United States Air Force Reserve retiring with the rank of Lt. Colonel.

Walter retired from Janazzo Heating and Air Conditioning of Plantsville as the Vice President and General Manager. He devoted time to many organizations including: Southington Rotary, Southington Town Council, Southington YMCA, United Way, The Retired Officers Association (ROA), VFW, American Legion and The Army Air Force Round-table of Cheshire. Walter dedicated many hours to helping veterans through ROA. He frequently visited Connecticut schools, educating students about the history of WWII. Additionally, he was the volunteer coordinator for the Collings Foundation visits of WWII vintage aircraft to various locations in Connecticut. Walter was also a lover of music and raised the funds that brought the Hartford Symphony Orchestra to perform in concerts with music students at Southington High School. Walter served as Director and Chairman of the Board for the Southington Savings Bank. Walter was also one of the founding members of St. Aloysuis Church in Plantsville and served for as trustee.

Walter is survived two of his children, Maureen (Hushak) Murphy (and her husband Thomas of Southington) and Dana Hushak of Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was “GPW” (Grandpa Walt) to his five grandchildren, Stephen, Alex, Hailey (Hushak) Kearney (and her husband Shaine) Mackenzie, and Madison. He also leaves a brother, Donald Hushak of North Haven. Walter was predeceased by his son, Mark and by his brothers, Eugene and Chester.

A memorial mass to celebrate Walter’s life will be held on Saturday, October 8, 2022 at 10:00 AM at St. Aloysius Church, 254 Burritt St, Plantsville, CT 06479. For directions or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.dellavecchiasouthington.com. The Dellavecchia Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St. Southington, CT 06489, is honored to be assisting Walter’s family with his arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The Walter Hushak Memorial Fund. C/O the Rotary Club of Southington. P.O Box 5 Southington CT 06489