Walter J. Wronoski

Walter J. Wronoski, of Ardmore, PA, born in Shamokin, PA, died on Friday, September 21, 2012; son of the late Walter Francis and Alice (Sczerba) Wronoski, brother of Florence Sabornie (deceased) and Mary Ann (Tootsie) Sieklicki. He is survived by his wife, Louise S., son John W., daughters Joan L., and Joyce S. (James W. Woodburn) and three grandsons: Samuel and James Wronoski (sons of John Wronoski and Jennifer E. Kline), and Michael Woodburn, who lovingly referred to him as "Chief." He was predeceased by his son, the late James J., husband of Heather (Dunne) Sokollu.

Walter, nicknamed "Sonny," graduated from Shamokin High School in 1948. His father died when he was only fourteen, and he held jobs constantly to help support his family, ranging from doughnut maker and tailor, to truck-driver, carpenter, ditch-digger (sic), electrician, and all-purpose "mule" at the Korbych Lumber Co. He proudly served as Petty Officer (Electrician's Mate) in the U.S. Navy on the USS Atka Icebreaker during the Korean War. Known as "Ski," to his fellow shipmates, he served from 1951-1954. He graduated from Montgomery County Junior College in Takoma Park, MD. He received his Bachelor's and Master's of Science in Education from the University of Pennsylvania, Class of 1962 and 1965. He taught electrical shop and coached swimming at Lower Merion High School, then went on to pursue a career in Vocational Education. He was instrumental in the creation and development of Marple Newtown Vocational Technical School in Marple, PA, where he served as principal and superintendent. He later served as Director of Bucks County Vocational Technical Schools in Fairless Hills, PA, and was widely regarded as an authority in practical education, serving on numerous national and international committees and frequently addressing gatherings of specialist educators and administrators.

Walter was a loving husband and devoted father and grandfather. He was a very active member of Saint Denis Catholic Church and School in Havertown, PA, where he founded the Home and School Association and served as its first president. His patriotism and love of country defined him. "Sonny" was an unrelenting optimist. His warm way and friendly smile endeared him to all he met.

///

WRONOSKI — Walter J. Wronoski, 81, of Ardmore. A viewing will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday and 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Saturday at Stretch Funeral Home, 236 E. Eagle Road, Havertown. A funeral Mass will be offered at 10 a.m. Saturday at Saint Denis Church, 2401 Saint Denis Lane, Havertown. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, c/o the Jim Wronoski Memorial Fund for Research, 555 North Lane, Suite 5010, Conshohocken, PA 19428.