Walter R. Seternus, Jr.

Walt was born on December 14, 1957 at Nazareth Hospital in Northeast Philadelphia. His education includes Kindergarden at Forest Elementary School (Ms. Finlayson), 1st through 8th grades at Saint Matthew School (1972), and Lincoln High School (class of 1976). Out of high school, Walt entered the working world by joining his father, Walter Sr. and several other members of the Wojcik and Lachowicz families, at their employment with O.P. Schuman & Sons, Inc. as a machinist. He perfected his trade through his successful completion and degree in Machine Shop Practice from Spring Garden College, in 1979. Walt worked for Shuman's until their doors closed Novermber 30, 2018 and then continued his uninterrupted employment at Lucifer Furnaces located in the same industrial park, on Titus Road, Warrington, PA. Walt worked there until his passing; he was looking forward to his upcoming retirement intended for this summer.

Walt was the second born of 5 children to his father Walter Sr. and his mother Dolores (Spinka). Walter's siblings consist of Kathleen (belated), Nancy (Tom), James (Judy), and Paul. He was raised in northeast Philadelphia, specifically, the Mayfair neighborhood. Walt was always mechanically inclined as seen by some of his Christmas presents that consisted of Erector sets (similar to Legos or Connects; however, parts were metal with real nuts and bolts). In Walt's pre and early teen years, he would constantly be interested in tinkering with the family car.

Walt also enjoyed adventures in his life; they were mostly combined with travel. Such early adventures include his bicycle trips with his brother Jim to his grandmother's house in Bridesburg. These trips occurred very several early Sunday mornings, after 5:30am mass at St. Matts and delivery of about 65 Sunday Bulletin newspapers to the local neighborhood residents. It was worth the trip; grandmom always treated them to a couple of donuts at the local bakery. As Walt grew older, his trips extended much further, the longest being his AMTRAK rail adventure with his best friend Mark as they crossed the lower 48 states. He also enjoyed his many trips to Florida's Daytona beach, first with just his Mom and then joined by his Dad in later years. He travelled by car to the top of Mt. Washington. He was proud of this trip and displayed it appropriately on the bumper of his 1978 Chevy Caprice Classic. He also spent numerous trips camping with his brother Paul, and with his cousin John.

Walt loved his Polish heritage. Our family has been visiting the Shrine of Czestochowa since he was very young, even before the current enormous and beautiful landmark structure was constructed. His family, along with our cousins, would gather at the small timber shrine for Sunday mass and summer picnics. The smaller timber shrine, once located on the other side of Ferry Road, is now located behind the current larger shrine. Walt also attended many masses at the shrine, volunteered his time during the Czestochowa Fall Festival, mostly at the Kielbasa stand. He also loved to listen to his cousin Therea Wojcik's radio broadcast and would call in frequently to participate in the good times and contests.

Walt was a very active, and most of all, happy man. Walt passed away on May 23, 2024, at 2:18AM while recovering from heart surgery. It is said that the sounds of Polka music can still be heard in the nighttime air surrounding his neighborhood. Walt, thank you for sharing your life with us. You truly are a blessing.