Walter Graff Frey, Sr.

Walter Graff Frey, Sr. passed peacefully away on Thursday, August 23, 2012 at home surrounded by family. Walter was born on October 2, 1936 in New Orleans to Frank and Elsie Frey. He married his high school sweetheart, Lydia Knebel, and was happily married until her death in 1998. In 2000, Walter found love again and married Cornelia Crawford. Walter graduated from Tulane University with a degree in civil engineering and was a registered engineer for nearly 50 years. During his career he designed and oversaw the construction of numerous wastewater collection systems, pump stations and treatment facilities. While he enjoyed the intellectual challenges of work, his true love was family. He was a gifted athlete who enjoyed teaching these skills to his children. He is survived by his wife, Cornelia; 6 children, Simone Kiel (David), Walter Jr.(Stephanie), Michelle (Dian), Frank (Louisan), Nicole (Colleen), Mignon Sweeney (Craig); 3 step-children, Deborah Crawford, Barbara Sheffer (Geoffrey), and Mark Crawford (Carol); 1 sister, Faye Beth Wedig; 13 grandchildren and 9 step-grandchildren. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, September 1, 2012 at 12:00 noon in the chapel at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans. A visitation will be held at the funeral home on Friday, August 31, 2012, from 6:00 pm until 8: 00 pm and on Saturday from 10:00 am until Mass time. Interment will follow in Metairie Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Walter's name to St. Jude Hospital or Southern Dominican Province. To view and sign the guest book, visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com.