Walter Okoniewski

Walter Okoniewski, 90 of North Tonawanda, passed on Monday August 12, 2024. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 65 years Lorena “Reany” Okoniewski, nee Wilson. Son of the late Stephen and Pearl Okoniewski. Predeceased by his sister Theresa (Mario) Lauricella. He is survived by his dear daughter Lorena “Lori” (James) Franke and cherished grandchildren, Travis and Ella along with many nieces, nephews and friends. Also predeceased by close family friends Arthur & Doris Krehan and Howard and Dorothy Miller. Walter was born and raised on the east side of Buffalo, attending St. Stanislaus School and Grover Cleveland High School. He and his wife Reany were married in January of 1956. They lived in Buffalo and then Pendleton until 1972 when they moved to North Tonawanda and stayed for the next 44 years. In 2016 the two of them moved to Wheatfield to reside with their daughter and family. He was hired by Dunlop Tire and Rubber in 1953 and spent his years there working various jobs from tire builder to maintenance and finally his favorite position of pipe fitter. He retired after 42 years in 1995. He and his wife enjoyed their retirement and in 2006 fully embraced their rolls as “Nana & Papa”. Walter was a long time member of St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in North Tonawanda where he served as a member of the Holy Name Society actively participating in various events at the church including serving as an usher when needed, peeling potatoes for chowder sales and starting a weekly summer Horse Shoe Club. He also spent many years bowling on various bowling leagues and you could often read his name the sports sections of the news papers for his high scoring games. While he did enjoy bowling, golf was his favorite pastime and continued to play until the age of 89. He was a 30+ year member of the Renaissance Club of North Tonawanda and was still attending various functions at the club. Walter loved to cook for his family often making delicious dinners that took all day to prepare. He would often surprise his family with a batch of cookies he baked in the evenings. His presence as a loving father, grandfather, uncle and friend is going to be greatly missed. Family and friends may call Sunday, August 18, 2024 from 2 to 6 PM at Wattengel Funeral Home, 533 Meadow Dr., North Tonawanda. Funeral Services Monday, August 19, 2024, at 10:00 AM at Wattengel Funeral Home. Interment at Acacia Park Cemetery, Tonawanda Creek Rd., Pendleton. Memorials may be made to Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

Walter Okoniewski

February 19, 1934 - August 12, 2024