Walter Sklarz, Sr.

Walter Sklarz, Sr., 83 of Worcester, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 23, 2014 in Homestead Hall surrounded by his loving family. Walter is survived by his wife of sixty-three years, Helen Kathleen (Kaminski) Sklarz; his son Walter "Skip" Sklarz, Jr. of Southbridge; three daughters, Christina Sklarz-Libby and her husband Robert of Durham, ME, Juliana Larson and her husband Randy of Sturbridge and Linda Daniels and her husband Joseph of Danielson, CT; a brother, Stanley Sklarz of Oxford; three sisters, Helen Smith of Worcester, Rosemarie Coulard of Oxford and Jean Whitaker of Chatsworth, CA; twelve grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his son, James Alan Sklarz; two brothers, John Sklarz and Joseph Sklarz, Jr.; two sisters, Anna Rauer and Irene Brunyak. Walter was born in Worcester, a son of the late Joseph and Anna (Lizewski) Sklarz. He graduated from Worcester Boys Trade. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in September 1947 where he served his country during the Korean War in the Battle of Chosin Reservoir. He also served in the Vietnam War where he received the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Frame. Walter served for twenty four years retiring as a Master Sergeant in 1971. After his dedicated service, Walter worked for the Worcester Telegram and Gazette as Chief of Security for twenty-five years retiring on July 1, 1996. He enjoyed fishing and spending time with his grandchildren. They were most important to him Services for Walter will be held on Friday, February 28, 2014 from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester with a Mass at 10:00 a.m. in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 24 Mulberry St., Worcester. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton, MA. A period of calling hours will be held on Thursday, February 27th from 5-7 p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: The Goddard House, 1199 Main St., Worcester, MA. 01603 or to Veterans, Inc., 69 Grove St., Worcester, MA. 01605 To share your thoughts and memories of Walter, please visit his personal guestbook at: www.mercadantefuneral.com