Walter Geoffrey Gazda's Obituary
I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. I will greet you on the other side.
On Sunday, November 27th, 2022, Walter Geoffrey Gazda was called home passing peacefully at the age of 80. The world has lost a great man who carried so many titles.
Walter (“Wally” or “Butch”) was born in Cleveland, Ohio on February 14, 1942. Yes, our son was a Valentine’s Day gift which is why his heart was so big. My Brother lived his whole life in Ohio but called Florida his second home. At 22, our Protector joined the National Guard Army Corp of Engineers. With the opportunity to use his brilliant mind for numbers, our Friend earned a Letter of Commendation and Outstanding Service Award. With the discipline, skills and awards received here, our Dad continued to excel finishing his career in management at Pepsi-Cola until retirement leaving a legacy of one of the Greatest Of All Time.
Throughout his life, our Godfather was a parishioner of Saint Columbkille Church for over 70 years. In his free time, Grandpa could be seen not on a fishing boat or golf course, but, puffing or chewing his cigar, tending to his lawn, and quoting a line from NCIS. The telemarketers will miss my Uncle and Cousin answering the telephone “We gave at the office”. And if you asked the Dogfather, his greatest accomplishment was not his 50-year Pepsi-Cola legacy or his 54 years of marriage with his loving wife; it was being a provider for his family and friends. One thing everyone knew, you could count on Wally.
Wally is survived by beloved wife Adelyn (Andi), devoted sons David (Barbara), Geoffrey, son Fur Baby Foster, daughter Donna (Anthony), godfather to Judy and Randy, sister Cathy, and countless extended family and found-family members. Wally was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Ann, and sister Phyllis.
The reason for the obituary delay is Wally always said “It’s a good day because I did not see my name in the obituaries”. We could only delay so long Wally. Join his family for a Celebration of Life service on February 11, 2023 at 10 am with a church service and reception afterwards. The service and reception will be held at Saint John Bosco located at 6480 Pearl Road, Parma Heights OH 44130. In lieu of flowers, Wally’s wishes were to accept in-kind donations so he could help animals and children.
What’s your fondest memory of Walter?
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Share a story where Walter's kindness touched your heart.
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