Walter Zaletel

WALTER R. ZALETEL, age 89, passed away on October 31, 2013; beloved husband of the late JoAnn (nee Stanek); loving father of Kathleen Ritzu (husband Joseph), Janet Harper (husband Dewey), Gail Hauge (husband Eric), Christine Woodruff (husband Don) of FL and Mary Ann Ferretti (husband Michael) of FL; devoted grandfather of Walter Ritzu (wife Joan), Joseph Ritzu (wife Dawn), Lisa Opria (husband Leonard), Melanie Harper, David Harper, Erika Mayer (husband Patrick), David Hauge, Steve Woodruff (wife Stacy), Randy Woodruff (wife Stacy), Robyn Woodruff and great-grandfather of 8; cherished brother of the late Dorothy Jazbec, Joseph Zaletel, Elsie Malinas, Ethel Ress, James Zaletel, Lillian Zaletel, Richard Zaletel (wife Sanna) and Patricia Mahany (husband Richard); dear uncle and great-uncle of many.

Wally was a World War II US Navy Veteran. He was a resident of Richmond Heights for 20 years after previously living in Euclid for 43 years. A member of the former St. Paul Catholic Church (now St. John of the Cross), he also belonged to the Richmond Heights Senior Club and United Steel Workers Union Local #2265 for over 39 years. Wally worked as an electrician, a motor inspector and electrical foreman at Republic Steel for over 39 years. In his free time, he enjoyed gardening, listening to classical music, cooking, baking and spending time with his grandkids. His favorite occasions were celebrating Christmas and Thanksgiving with his family. He will be remembered as a happy man who was always smiling.

Contributions may be made in Wally’s memory to Seasons of Life Hospice, 9511 W. Pleasant Valley Rd., Parma, OH 44130. Mass of Christian Burial Monday, November 4, 2013 at St. John of the Cross Catholic Church at 10AM.

Burial following with military honors at All Souls Cemetery. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Wally at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91) SUNDAY 2-6 PM.