Obituaries
Walter J. Zale, Jr., 80
October 11, 1940 - September 10, 2021
Walter J. Zale, Jr., 80, of Lititz and formerly of Pittsburgh, passed away Friday, September 10, 2021. He was born in Braddock, PA to the late Walter J. Zale, Sr. and Anne (Zukas) Zale. Married in Donora, PA at St. Michael’s Church, Walt enjoyed 53 years of marriage with his wife Judith (Pavlik) Zale.
A graduate of North Catholic High School, Walt attended Saint Francis University and The University of Pittsburgh. He worked in the accounting department at US Steel in Pittsburgh, and then as a senior account executive with Consolidated Graphic Communications for 34 years. After retirement in 2003, Walt and Judy worked seasonally at Walt Disney World.
He served in the US Marine Corps Reserves during the 1960’s in Pittsburgh, achieving the rank of Corporal.
A devout and faithful Catholic, Walt was a parishioner at St. James Catholic Church in Lititz. He enjoyed volunteer work at church, and participating in the Men’s Club. Walt was a 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, and an active member of Knights of Columbus Council # 10827 at St. James.
Walt was always welcoming, a wonderful storyteller and jokester, and he had a contagious laugh and what have you. He enjoyed playing golf, travelling, especially to Disney World with his family, and he was a huge Pittsburgh sports fan. He previously served on the Board at Lancaster Catholic High School, and volunteered with Judy for Lititz Meals on Wheels.
In addition to his loving wife Judy, Walt is survived by their son, Michael J. Zale, husband of Lori (Durand) of Natrona Heights; two daughters, Meredith Z. Brown, wife of Eric of Gibsonia, and Molly Z. LaFranca, wife of Scott of Mount Dora, FL; four grandsons, Rylan Zale, Avery Brown, Aidan Brown, and Ethan Zale; as well as his sisters, Ginny Valley of Bradford Woods, and Lois Vesch of Pittsburgh.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place 10:30 AM, Saturday, October 9, 2021, with The Rev. James O’Blaney, C.Ss.R. as Celebrant, at St. James Catholic Church. Private Inurnment will take place in Christ Our Redeemer Catholic Cemetery, Pittsburgh.
Please omit flowers, and kindly consider a memorial contribution to St. James Catholic Church, 505 Woodcrest Avenue, Lititz, PA 17543, or to Lancaster Catholic High School, 650 Juliette Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17601, or to the American Heart Association, 4250 Crums Mill Road, Suite 100, Harrisburg, PA 17112.
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Condolences to the Family
November 02, 2021
Dear Judy and family,
I’m so sorry it’s taken so long to send you and your family our deepest sympathy following Walt’s passing but I had undergone major surgery shortly after he passed. Both John and I always enjoyed the times we saw and talked to you both at St. James and especially enjoyed his sense of humor. We pray for peace and comfort for you during this time of grief.
With Our Deepest sympathy.
John and Nancy Straw
September 29, 2021
I just found out today (9/29) about Walt’s passing. He was such a great guy and like everyone else I will miss him. Judy, I am so very sorry for your loss. Please know that many hearts are heavy at Walt’s passing. He always used to call me Teresa which was my Mother’s name and I always used to like hearing it because it reminded me of her. I’ll miss that too. May God bless your family with His grace of comfort and may he hold Walt in the palm of His hands always.
june smith
September 23, 2021
How difficult it is to find the right words to express our sadness, Judy, but to say nothing is not an option. Walt’s love of life touched all who knew him and we will never forget the fun times we shared as we now share in your sorrow. Our love and prayers to you, Judy, and your family. Hoping your special memories will somehow help to ease your pain at this most difficult time.
With our love,
Clark and Barb
September 20, 2021
Dear Judy, sorry to learn of Walt’s passing. Walt was a caring catholic gentleman. He was a lively one. I have many good memories. You and your family are in my prayers. Denny Hines
September 19, 2021
sorry to hear that Walt passed on. I missed seing you both. God bless. Hope you and your family are doing well.
Irene Kiphorn
September 19, 2021
We are so saddened to hear of Walt’s passing. I got to know him when he worked for Consolidated Business Forms and came to my work every Tuesday. He taught me a lot about forms designing. I looked forward to Tuesdays. He always made me laugh and had encouraging words for me. He took me under his wings and lifted me up. He was my inspiration and friend. My deepest sympathy to Judy and the kids and grandchildren. Hugs and prayers of comfort for you all. He will truly be missed by many. Lois and Walt
September 18, 2021
Sending our hugs and prayers to Walt’s awesome family. It’s difficult to process the loss of such a wonderful guy. He will always be remembered for his exuberant smile, abundant laughter and his humor. We have many fond memories of time with Walt throughout the years. God bless Judy, the kids and grandkids as you navigate this loss. His memories will be cherished my many. Love, Jack and Rise Connelly
September 17, 2021
I am very saddened to hear the news of Walt’s passing away. Judy, you and your family have my deepest sympathies and prayers for peace and comfort. Judy, you and Walt have meant so much to me over the years. I have thoroughly enjoyed our visits together in Florida and Pennsylvania and will cherish our times working together at Walt Disney World. I send my love to all of you. David Du Mez
September 14, 2021
Walt’s jokes and laughter will live on in our hearts forever. He was our best man in our wedding and a fun traveling companion. His love for his family and friends was unwavering. Our deepest sympathy for Judy, the “kids” and grandchildren. Our hearts go out to you all.
Ron & Mary Jean
September 13, 2021
Sam &I were sorry to hear about Walt’s passing our prayers and thoughts are with you and the family. We always enjoyed Walt. We are living in Pensacola FL since 2013 wanted to send our condolences.
September 13, 2021
MY CONDOLENCES AND PRAYERS TO A BROTHER MARINE WHO SPENT TIME WITH IN BOOT CAMP PARIS ISLAND PLT 219 MAY HE REST IN PEACE GUARDING THE GATES OF HEAVON…RESPECTFULY SEMPER FI. CPL KARL F. SCHUBERT
September 13, 2021
Judy kids and grankids, Walt was a dear friend to all of us at CGC. I especially remember the achievment club trips and how much fun Walt always was. I will pray for Walt and the family that you can get through this difficult time.
God Bless
Pat Evans
- Services
- Saturday, October 09, 2021
- 10:30 AM
- St. James Catholic Church
- 505 Woodcrest Avenue
- Lititz, PA 17543
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