Walter E. Sokalick Jr., born May 27, 1936, was called home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on March 20, 2024. Walt was born to Walter “Eddie” Sr. and Rosalia Marie Gorel in Simpson, PA. He and his brothers, Carl and James (Brian) were raised by their beloved mother in Passaic, NJ.
Walt joined the Air Force in 1957 and while stationed at Lowry AFB in Denver, CO. met Lois Kathryn Meyer. After a brief courtship the two were married in 1963 and enjoyed over 61 blessed years together. Along the way they welcomed three children: Keith, Jeff (Cindy), and Karen McBroom (Timothy). Walt was also blessed with and is survived by seven grandchildren, Kyle, Brittany, Kayte, David, Katherine, Dyne, and Jordan, and four great grandchildren, Mia, Sebastian, Aiden, and Max.
Walt retired from the Air Force in 1978 and then enjoyed a second career at Martin Marietta. When Walt and Lois retired to Mesa, AZ in 1990, he had a third career at Dillard’s.
Walt was a social butterfly who never met a stranger, and if you were fortunate to have met him, you never forgot him or his sense of humor. He was never without a smile or a song in his heart and could turn anything into a Walter original song. In addition to serving his Lord he enjoyed traveling and cruises with his family.
A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at 10:00 AM on April 20, at the Broadway Christian Church, 7335 E Broadway Rd, Mesa, AZ 85208
In lieu of flowers donations to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation in memory of MSgt (ret) Walter Sokalick are suggested: Donate – Tunnel to Towers Foundation (t2t.org)
Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
RIP to the liveliest cousin in the family orbit. When were tots he was larger than life keeping all of us entertained in just so many ways like no one else could. Always kept us guessing whether he was truth telling or pulling our chains. 😁 It was glorious, and the energy was contagious, It would take days to wipe the smile off your face after a visit or a family gathering. When he served in the air force 🇺🇸 he would bring us back silk pajamas from Japan and beautiful bracelets from Turkey (which I still treasure) because that’s who he was. Made everyone feel uniquely special and loved. And now he is that angel for all in heaven rockin’ the show up there without a doubt. He may not know how much of an impact he had on so many, but he sure had a heck of a time doing it!!!! Peace to my dearest cousin Walt who lovingly rests now in the arms of our Dear Lord.
Walt was such a blessing to everyone who entered his circle of joy. Always a smile to share with everyone. Seems hard to believe that it has been 30 + years since we worshipped together in Aurora. May God comfort your heavy hearts.