Walter V. Sexstella

Walter V. Sexstella, age 89 of Lorain, passed away peacefully Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Born March 10, 1920 in Lorain, Walter lived his entire life in Lorain, attended Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary grade school and Lorain City Schools. In 1941 he was inducted into the Army serving as a fire fighter in the Army Air Force. As a Sergeant he was chief rescuer of the fire fighting crew, supervising men in various duties of fire fighting, rescued persons and salvaged articles of value in the European theater of operations. He also worked on fighting brush and aircraft fires. He earned the Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, European African Medal, Eastern Campaign Medal with one Bronze Star and the World War II Victory Medal. Walter was a painter by trade. He worked at American Stove Works, The Thew Shovel Company and American Shipbuilding Company, all in Lorain, retiring in 1984. He was a member of Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Lorain where he served as an usher for many years, earlier served as president of the parish Holy Name Society and received the Man of the Year Award. Walter was also a past member of the Polish American Citizens Club where he was elected president for two terms in the early 70's and a Color Guard with the Polish Legion of American Veterans, Post 38. He wore his uniform proudly marching in many parades. Walter enjoyed playing nickel dime poker with his brothers, brothers-in-law, and especially taking those nickels from his sons-in-law. He enjoyed vacations with his wife and children to Las Vegas and nearby casinos. He had a passion for flower and vegetable gardening and took pride in his home and yard. He was an avid sports fan especially of the Cleveland Indians. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Amelia (nee Ventrone), daughters, Mary Jane Hreha and her husband Daniel of Lorain and Diane Strauser and her husband Edward of Elyria, grandson, Daniel B. of Avon Lake and great-granddaughter, Avery Skye of Amherst. He was preceded-in-death by his parents, Augustine and Mary (nee Jakubowski) Sexstella, brothers, Frank, Joseph, John and Theodore. Friends may call on Friday, May 22, 2009 from 4-8 pm at the Dombrowski-Humphrey-Riddle Funeral Home, 1939 Oberlin Avenue, Lorain, where members of the Nativity BVM Holy Name Society will conduct a rosary service at 7pm. Closing prayers will be said at the funeral home on Saturday, May 23, 2009 at 9:30 am followed by a 10:00 am Mass of Christian Burial at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, 418 W. 15th Street, Lorain. The Reverend Gerald Keller, cousin to Walter, and Reverend Robert J. Glepko, pastor, will concelebrate. Burial with military honors will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Lorain. Walter's family would like to publically acknowledge and thank New Life Hospice for their care and compassion toward them during Walter's last days.