Walter Vincent Szeligo, 94, of Wadsworth (formerly of Akron), passed away peacefully while surrounded by members of his loving family, on Monday, February 20, 2017.

Walter was born on July 2nd, 1922 in Benwood, WV to Frank and Mary (Prezkop) Szeligo. He graduated in 1941 as the Valedictorian of Central Catholic High School in Wheeling, West Virginia. He spent the next handful of years in the Navy, where he worked his way up to Seaman – First Class while being recognized multiple times with awards for his dedication to our country. During this period of time he met the love of his life, Jessie, whom he would wed on October 5, 1946. They spent 65 years of marriage together and became parents to 5 children whom they raised in Akron, Ohio.

Walter’s work ethic and dedication were a big part of what allowed him to support his growing family comfortably. He spent over 30 years working at the post office, the majority of the time as a supervisor. From there he kept a job in the service department at Sears for another 20-plus years as he unprecedentedly worked into his 80’s.

Simple adjectives aren’t quite colorful enough to truly capture how special Walter was, but we’ll give it a try. He was generous; both with his time and his earnings – devoting himself to the needs of others, whether that be fixing an appliance, spending an afternoon baby-sitting, or supporting one of his many grandchildren through college. The restaurant bill at family meals was to be delivered straight to him, and as a passenger in your car there was never a time where he wouldn’t offer to fill up your gas tank – sometimes even twice, to and from the destination.

He was charming and endearing; he made you feel welcomed and appreciated, whether you were his acquaintance of years or just a passing stranger holding the door. And he was thoughtful. He was selfless until the very end, worried more about the well being of others than himself. Walter was absolutely one of a kind.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Jessie, as well as his brothers, John and Chester Szeligo, and sisters MaryAnn Rzepka and Dorothy Mathys.

He is survived by his sister, Rose Purpura; sons, Frank (Patricia), Robert and John (Joe Wright); daughters Diane (Bob) Kleinman and Janet (Chris) Briggs; as well as grandchildren Clark, Brian (Katie), Ben, Gwendolyn Szeligo and their mother Jill Clark; Lauren (Aaron) Koch; Jessica Kleinman (Bryan Shields); and Jeremy and Emily Briggs. Also, a special mention to his many beloved caretakers, including but not limited to; Sherry Sarvis, Mary Jackson, Sue Lamielle, Connie Busemeyer and the nurses and aides at Altercare Rehabilitation Center.

There will be a funeral mass on Saturday, February 25 at 9:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, 260 Broad Street, Wadsworth, OH 44281. Donations can be made in lieu of flowers to either Visitation of Mary – 87 Broad St., Akron, OH 44305 or Sacred Heart.