Walter William Zientek passed away peacefully on January 28, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on June 4, 1951, in Milford, Connecticut, Walter later made his home in Northford with his wife, Wendy, where they built a life rooted in love, family, and quiet devotion.
Married for 53 years, Walter and Wendy moved to Northford in 1975 and built a life there, raising their family and making it home for the next 50 years. They met as kids and grew up together, sharing a bond that only deepened with time. Wendy was the center of his world, his constant, and his greatest joy.
He was the proud father of two daughters, Cory Sekelsky (Stephen) and Jaime DeFelice (Louis), all of Northford, and the most devoted Papa to Julia Sekelsky, Jakson Sekelsky, Madelyn DeFelice, and Louie DeFelice. He was their biggest supporter and was endlessly proud of the people they were becoming.
A gifted writer with an extraordinary way with words, Walter authored two published books, Labrador Tales: A Celebration of America's Favorite Dog and Heart Dog Diaries. In 2000, he received the Maxwell Medallion Award for Labrador Tales. All proceeds from his books were donated to dog rescue organizations.
Walter spent over 37 years as a Special Education teacher at Platt High School in Meriden. Known to many as Mr. Z, he left a lasting impression on countless students and colleagues. After retirement, he could often be found taking walks around the neighborhood, caring for his yard, reading, and attending events for the kids he loved so much.
Walter and Wendy loved to travel together, spending time throughout the Caribbean and Mexico, but their hearts always belonged to Aruba. For more than 20 years, it was their home away from home—a place of peace, comfort, and a special kind of solace they shared together.
Walter was predeceased by his parents, Walter M. and Nancy Zientek, and his brother, Steven.
He will be remembered for his kindness, his gentle humor, his love of words, and the way he loved his family so completely. There will never be another Papa, and we will never be the same—but his love and presence will remain with us always.
A private service will be at a later date.
Married for 53 years, Walter and Wendy moved to Northford in 1975 and built a life there, raising their family and making it home for the next 50 years. They met as kids and grew up together, sharing a bond that only deepened with time. Wendy was the center of his world, his constant, and his greatest joy.
He was the proud father of two daughters, Cory Sekelsky (Stephen) and Jaime DeFelice (Louis), all of Northford, and the most devoted Papa to Julia Sekelsky, Jakson Sekelsky, Madelyn DeFelice, and Louie DeFelice. He was their biggest supporter and was endlessly proud of the people they were becoming.
A gifted writer with an extraordinary way with words, Walter authored two published books, Labrador Tales: A Celebration of America's Favorite Dog and Heart Dog Diaries. In 2000, he received the Maxwell Medallion Award for Labrador Tales. All proceeds from his books were donated to dog rescue organizations.
Walter spent over 37 years as a Special Education teacher at Platt High School in Meriden. Known to many as Mr. Z, he left a lasting impression on countless students and colleagues. After retirement, he could often be found taking walks around the neighborhood, caring for his yard, reading, and attending events for the kids he loved so much.
Walter and Wendy loved to travel together, spending time throughout the Caribbean and Mexico, but their hearts always belonged to Aruba. For more than 20 years, it was their home away from home—a place of peace, comfort, and a special kind of solace they shared together.
Walter was predeceased by his parents, Walter M. and Nancy Zientek, and his brother, Steven.
He will be remembered for his kindness, his gentle humor, his love of words, and the way he loved his family so completely. There will never be another Papa, and we will never be the same—but his love and presence will remain with us always.
A private service will be at a later date.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Walter W Zientek, please visit our flower store.
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