Walter T. "Tom" Evanuska

Walter T. Evanuska Walter Thomas (Tom) Evanuska, age 63, passed away at home, on Thursday, December 10, 2009, surround-ed by his wife and children. Walter was born in Danbury, to Walter Evanuska and Helen Falis. He spent his life in service to others, first as an alter server for St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, and as he became older, a lifeguard for Candlewood Lake, Danbury. He graduated from Danbury High School, and was a member of the Danbury Fire Department Local 801. Walter entered the United States Air Force, and became a para-rescue-man, serving in Southeast Asia. He returned from active military service, and joined the Army Special Forces Reserve, in Denver, Colo. While in Colorado, he became a volunteer member of the Lakewood Fire Department. A different opportunity arose, and Walter became an Air Force Flight Medic with the 40th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron at Mc Chord Air Force Base, Wash. After participating in Desert Storm, he retired from military service. Walter and his family were very active at his local church. His son, Michael became an alter server, while Mr. Evanuska and his wife were Eucharistic Ministers. After 9-11, Walter again chose service to others, by changing careers and becoming a Transportation Safety Officer. He finally moved his career to the Department of Homeland Security, where he became a U.S. Customs Canine Officer. He served for an additional six years. He loved the work he did, and the people he worked with. He was a member of the American Legion Post 277, and Veterans of Foreign Wars., and Harley Davidson Club of Southern California. He is survived by his wife, Paulette; daughter, Kathrine and son-in law, Benjamin Tomas; son, Michael-granddaughters, Elizabeth, Emily and Samantha; daughter-in-law, Stephanie Montague; son, Nicholas and his wife, Chrissy. He is also survived by his mother, Helen Evanuska, sister, Donna Bellmay; niece, Kellie Bellmay; and nephews, Kevin and Kyle Bellmay. As well as other much loved family and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Walter Evanuska. Services were held on December 16, 2009 at St Joseph Catholic Church, Placentia, Calif. followed by interment at Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside, CA. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF), 383 Main Avenue, 5th Floor, Norwalk, CT 06851.