Walter D. Wasilewski, 70, died Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at his home in North Syracuse.

Born in Detroit, Michigan, to William and Patricia (Hagerman) Wasilewski, Walt and his family moved to Syracuse, N.Y., when he was a boy. Walt was the eldest of three sons, big brother to John and Vincent.

Walt attended Our Lady of Lourdes School and Most Holy Rosary High School, graduating in 1972. Many of his schoolmates became his lifelong friends, and he supported MHR's school as a proud alumnus for more than 50 years.

Walt studied English and Education at SUNY Oswego, earning his bachelor's degree in 1977. His work in construction in Florida and as an aide at the Syracuse Developmental Center not only helped him pay tuition, but also afforded him some of his fondest and most formative experiences.

Walt met the love of his life at Oswego when the Scales Hall desk attendant asked him to dance at a party. Mary (Dromgoole) and Walt married in Rome, N.Y., in 1979; they welcomed daughter Katherine in 1982 and son Peter in 1986. Walt was the most devoted husband and father, always open with his love and never failing in his support.

Walt had a long and dedicated career in journalism, including more than 25 years with The Herald-Journal and The Post-Standard in Syracuse. In his time as a reporter, editor, and bureau chief, he prized curiosity, accuracy, and integrity. Working alongside talented colleagues to tell important stories was his privilege and pride.

Walt earned his master's degree in journalism from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University in 1999; he later returned to Newhouse as an adjunct instructor. With his famous News Duck(s) in tow, he taught young journalists with care and enthusiasm. In 2008, he offered this wisdom to "the newly minted journalist" via the Columbia Journalism Review: "Without journalism, there is no hope for progress. Believe that every person should be treated with respect and act on it. If you don't believe that, please find another profession."

Walt was an avid league golfer at Orchard Vali and a longtime spiritual care volunteer at Upstate Medical University. He loved exploring New York State with Mary, and at home he was happiest when devouring a book, tending his garden, cheering on the Red Sox and the Orange, or listening to his beyond-eclectic music collection.

Walt is survived by his wife of 45 years, Mary Wasilewski; daughter and son-in-law Katherine (Wasilewski) and Todd Long; granddaughter Poppy Long; son Peter Wasilewski; brothers and sisters-in-law Vincent and Susie Wasilewski and John and Mary Wasilewski; inlaws James and Karin Dromgoole, Thomas and Patricia Dromgoole, Michael Dromgoole, and David and Annmarie Dromgoole; and many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held Tuesday, November 12, 2024, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Maurer Funeral Home, Inc., 300 Second St., Liverpool, N.Y. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at 10 a.m. at Epiphany Parish (formerly St. Joseph the Worker Church), 1001 Tulip St., Liverpool. The Rite of Committal and burial will follow at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery, Baldwinsville, N.Y.

Donations in Walt's memory may be made to Epiphany Parish or Upstate Medical University's Father Alfred Bebel Spiritual Care Fund.

Please sign the Maurer Funeral Home online guestbook to express your condolences to Walt's family.