Walter S. Wydro

Walter S. Wydro

Walter S. Wydro, 94, of Erie, passed away peacefully Tuesday, July 12, 2016 at Elmwood Gardens. He was born November 11, 1921 in Oil City, PA, the son of Joseph and Maryisa Watras Wydro

Walter graduated from Oil City High School in 1940. He served in the United States Army Air Force during World War II along with his two brothers, John and Max.

In 1950 he married his childhood sweetheart Martha Gutowski; Father Joseph Pol presided over the ceremony at Blessed Sacrament Church in Oil City.

He was President and co-owner, with his brother John, of Wydee Dydee Diaper Service and ABCO Dust Control.

Walter was a proud fifty year member of the S.W. Erie Lions Club; serving three terms as President and two terms as Secretary.

He was a board member of the Lions Club Eye Bank and in 1978 The Blinded Veterans of Pennsylvania honored him with the prestigious "Jules Schick Award" for his many years of volunteer work.

He was a board member of the Glenwood YMCA and in 1998 was presented the YMCA "Man of the Year Award" for his work.

He and his wife Martha served as "Meals on Wheels" Volunteers for many years.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by two brothers and four sisters.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Martha Gutowski Wydro; a son, Stephen Wydro his wife Jo Ellen; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

He was fond of telling the story about his cross country trip with his family in 1962 from Erie to California. Much of the route traveled was via the old route 66. He often summarized the trip as "Enjoying the sights and sounds of America for 27 days".

Prior to his death Walter expressed his desire to be cremated and to have a very private and quiet funeral.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by the John R. Orlando Funeral Home, Inc., 2122 Raspberry Street.

Memorials may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children-Erie, 1645 West 8th St, Erie, PA 16505 or to a children's charity of your choice.