Walter F. ‘Murp’ Balawajder – McKeesport
Walter F. “Murp” Balawajder, 91, of McKeesport, died Dec. 15, 2019, at home. Born Feb. 18, 1928, in McKeesport, he was the son of the late Stanley and Josephine Leonard Balawajder. Walter retired from U.S. Steel National Works, where he worked in the maintenance planning office with 33 years of service. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving as an expert M-1 rifleman, clerk-typist and non-commissioned administrative officer. During his enlistment, he had the pleasure of meeting Gen. Eisenhower in 1946 at Fort Bragg, N.C. Walter was a member and lifelong volunteer of the former St. Mary Czestochowa and now Corpus Christi Parish, where he ushered, counted and did bank depositing. He was a member and past officer of PNA Lodge 352 and PNA Council 110. Walter was also a member of White Oak American Legion Post 701, Renzie Seniors and LifeSpan. He enjoyed spending time at his camp in Venango County, hunting, tree cutting, grass cutting, cooking and drinking Genesee beer. Walter was an avid walker and biker, who during his retirement years accounted for untold thousands of leg miles. He is survived by his sisters-in-law, Sophie and Helen Balawajder, along with many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Walter was also preceded in death by his brothers, Joseph, Ted, Bruno, Chester and John. Family and friends will be received at JAYCOX-JAWORSKI FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY from 2 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2019. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at noon Thursday in Corpus Christi Church. Committal prayers, military honors and burial will follow in St. Mary’s Polish Cemetery. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.jaycox-jaworskifh.com.
