Walter John Okunski
Walter John Okunski
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Walter Okunski Obituary
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Susan Gallen
March 25, 2025
Many years ago I was patient of Dr Okunski for reconstructive surgery. Years later I had called his office for advice and he personally look the time to call me. That's the kind of doctor and man he was. There are very few like him anymore.
Mercedes Torrens
March 24, 2024
He was a great doctor and amazing human been , he would never be forgotten , I always new he was in the house by the aroma of his pipe . great loss , and I want to give my condolences to his family .
Mercedes Torrens
Susan (Wiedmann) Gallen
May 30, 2023
I just came across this obit as I was searching for records and was and saddened to see Dr. had passed. I was a young girl when Dr. Okunski did my reconstructive surgery back in the 70's and I always remember him as a wonderful man as well as a great doctor.
John Jaffe
June 30, 2019
Great physician & great human being.
He will be missed by MANY!!
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Anna-Mari Martz
May 3, 2019
I am so sorry for your loss . He was a great dr. He did a lot of surgeries on me through out the years. He and my dad , dr mark martz shared lots of jokes when they saw each other. He did great work on me. It is sad to hear that he passed away. I think he and my dad are telling jokes to each other again ,together in heaven. Anna Martz
Jeannine Tease
April 18, 2019
My deepest sympathy to the Okunski family. I worked as a secretary in the department of surgery & I always looked forward to his cheerful visits. He brightened a room wherever he went. I will always remember the wonderful smell of pipe tobacco. Rest in Peace.
April 11, 2019
Walter and I meet the first day of medical school. He and I were residents at Syracuse albeit on different services.
He was a skilled surgeon even as a resident.
My condolences to the family.
Steven A Artz, M.D.
Charleston WV
Dorothy Murray
April 8, 2019
Dear Okunski family, I was very sad to read of Dr O's passing. As others said, he was a fine gentleman, a skilled surgeon, a fantastic teacher, a gentle soul, and a physician who dared to work with some of the most challenging patients...the burn victims. We are grateful to you the family who selflessly had holiday meals without Dr O. Being "on call" meant an empty plate at meal time. I will always remember Dr.O with a smile on my face. Sincerely, Dottie Murray,R.N.
Barb King
April 7, 2019
Dr Okunski was a wonderful man and doctor. I will always be grateful for the care and compassion he showed my beloved father. RIP.
April 6, 2019
June, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family on the death of Walter. The medical community lost one of its best - as a one time patient of his, I can attest to that fact. Betty and Leon Skweir
Sharon Pustilnik
April 5, 2019
Dear Mrs.Okunski and family,
I was so sorry to learn of Dr.Okunski's passing. He retired a short time before I did. I was the Director of 4K where most of the plastic surgery patients were admitted. My team and I worked closely with Dr. Okunski and his team. You could count on that blue blazer and smiling face coming through those doors very early in the morning! Dr.Rhodes stated very accurately that he was an early champion of nursing. Never in all of the years that we worked together was there ever one ounce of disrespect for nurses. He was such a collaborative surgeon and he cared and respected what we thought. I will remember him always as such a kind and compassionate surgeon with the hands of a god, so skilled and gifted. He touched thousands of lives and will be sorely missed. I always felt lighter and more inspired after a moment with Dr. O. God be with you during this difficult time. Rest in peace Dear Physician.
Sharon Pustilnik, RN
Kathy DeBellis
April 5, 2019
To the Okunski family,
I was sorry to read about Dr O's death. I worked for him for several years, finding out quickly how kind and devoted he was to his patients. Always polite, and with a big smile, the staff knew when he was in the office by the smell of his pipe tobacco. My sincere sympathies to all of his family; he was truly one of a kind! RIP Dr O.
April 5, 2019
A gentleman, kind man and good surgeon.
April 5, 2019
I had the honor of knowing and working side by side with Dr. Okunski in Burn Care and at LVHN throughout my career. He is the "Father of Burn Care at LVHN." Without his vision, leadership, skill and expertise so many patients from the Lehigh Valley and beyond would not have been easily served. His dedication went further then the OR or the Bedside. He had the foresight and understanding of the lifelong needs of his patients and laid the foundation for what was needed. His tremendous ability to teach and mentor helped us all grow professionally. Lastly, his heart was big...he made connections with people that mattered.
I am so sorry for your loss.. but be comforted that he has left a beautiful legacy on so many and in that way his spirit will live on forever.
My Blessings,
Jackie Fenicle RN, MSN
April 5, 2019
He was an amazing man and physician and will be missed by many
Mary Zakrewski
April 5, 2019
Dr. Okunski did my carpal tunnel surgery . Professional and compassionate. The Best!!
Eileen Ufberg
April 5, 2019
Walter was a gift to the medical community ,and more importantly, to all who were lucky enough to know him. We are so sorry for your loss. Many hugs from Eileen and MIckey Ufberg
Denise Knittle
April 5, 2019
My sincere sympathies to the Okunski family. I had the pleasure of working with Dr. O. for many years in the burn center. He was always so compassionate with the patients and families and always treated the staff with respect and acknowledgment of our nursing skills and intelligence. I will always remember his smile and voice. The community has truly lost a wonderful man and physician. RIP Dr,O. Denise Knittle RN
Mercedes Torrens
April 4, 2019
To the family of dr Okunski,
I had the pleasure of working in the OR at the same time that he was there , he was always so gentle and when he talk , you always felt how much he care ,and always gave his undivided attention ,he will be miss tremendously .you have my heart felt condolences ,
mercedes R. Torrens , San Antonio ,Texas
April 4, 2019
My sincere condolences to the family. Doctor O was a great surgeon and a remarkable person. He will be so missed.
Audrey from Lehigh valley
Sherry (Clemens) and Greg Sanders
April 3, 2019
Dr. Okunski was one of a kind. Skilled as a surgeon, and compassionate with his patients. Patients became friends. Even after moving away from Allentown, Dr. Okunski was the doctor we returned to whenever plastic surgery was needed. Everyone in the family appreciated their visits with him - we could always trust his decisions and methods. On behalf of Mike (and the late Clara-Louise) Sanders, we send our sympathy and prayers that your family will experience 'the peace that passes all understanding' during this time.
Deborah Cardinella
April 3, 2019
I am so sorry for the family and friends of Dr. Walter Okunski. His passing has left a chasm in the Lehigh Valley and beyond. He will always be remembered not only for his skill in the operating room but also for his compassion and kindness.
Audrey Luzenski
April 2, 2019
To the Okunski family, my deepest sympathy. The Lehigh Valley was blessed to have this wonderful skillful Dr. My family was lucky to have his skills take care of several medical issues. He made you feel relaxed in emergency situations with his deep distinguished voice.
Lisa Fahringer
April 2, 2019
To the Okunski Family:
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of this wonderful man.
I met Dr Okunski 25 years ago when my daughter, Marysa was born (4/5/1994).
I can still remember Dr Okunski walking into my hospital room telling me my newborn baby needed surgery to repair a cleft palate. I had no idea what he was talking about because looking at her, there was nothing wrong. My daughter had a cleft of the hard and soft palate, so you could not see anything as this was all on the inside and roof of her mouth.
He immediately made me feel that everything was going to be okay and my baby would be fine. I can remember his distinguished voice and the lingering aroma from his cherry pipe.
Dr Okunski performed surgery on my daughter when she was a little over a year old. She only needed one surgery, thanks to the amazing skills of this wonderful doctor. However, we continued to see him for seven years at the Cleft Palate Clinic.
Dr Okunski was a very special doctor who treated his patients and their families as if they were his own.
I am forever grateful to him.
My heartfelt sympathy and prayers are with you at this sad and difficult time.
Lisa Fahringer
Rob Mangano
April 2, 2019
I had the pleasure of knowing Dr.O. He was a very kind man. I am saddened by his passing.
Dave and Kathy Leber
April 1, 2019
Dear June and Family,
We were so saddened to learn about Walter's passing. He was a wonderful man. May he rest in peace.
Susan Caflin
April 1, 2019
To the Okunski Family-
Our whole family considered Dr O. our family plastic surgeon. He was always on time, kind, so highly skilled and from the moment you were in his care, you knew you were with "one in a million". He will be missed here on earth and certainly very welcomed into Heaven. One of the best.
All my sympathies,
Susan Caflin
Cantor Kevin Wartell
April 1, 2019
May DR O'S memory always be for a blessing
Cathy Banks
April 1, 2019
Dear June,Lorraine, Olivia , and Ryan,
I had the honor and pleasure of scrubbing on many of Dr. Okunski's cases at Allentown General Hospital and later Lehigh Valley. He was a gifted surgeon and wonderful human being. He was admired and respected by all. He was a true gentleman. The world will be a lesser place without him.
With kindest regards and deepest sympathy,
Cathy (Sperlbaum) Banks
April 1, 2019
Dear June, Lorraine, Olivia and Ryan,
I was so sad to hear about Walter's passing. He was one of the kindest people I ever met. He always had a smile and he genuinely cared about others.
Walter made this world a better place and he will be deeply missed.
With sympathy,
Catherine M. Campanaro
Vicki Smock
March 31, 2019
I met Dr. Okunski when I injured my right hand in a terrible accident. I was 5 months pregnant and the first thing he said to me was"I treated many Viet Nam vets with similar hand injuries but YOU are the first pregnant young lady I have had as a patient" He was my best friend through those many months of hand surgeries. God bless you, Sir and my deepest condolences to the family.
March 31, 2019
Lorraine, my heart is breaking for you and your family. Your Dad, to me, was the epitome of a true gentleman and dedicated physician. I am grateful and blessed for having known him. He touched so many lives and will be terribly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. May he rest in eternal peace.
With love,
Cade Upanavage and sons
Linda Carfagna
March 31, 2019
I had the pleasure of working for Dr. Okunski for 41/2 years. He was a true professional with a kind and caring demeanor. He will be missed by many in the Lehigh Valley community.
June Kelly
March 31, 2019
Such a nice person always professional
Barb Carlson
March 31, 2019
It was an honor to have worked with Dr. Okunski at our Cleft Palate Clinic for over 23 years. Besides being an extremely talented surgeon, he was also the consummate professional. Most importantly, however, was the respect and kindness he always showed his patients, their families, and the other Clinic team members. He was one of a kind! Personally, I will always remember his warm smile and his hearty laugh as we shared stories about our golden retrievers. My prayers to his family. Thank you for sharing such a gentle man with all of us...And to Dr. Okunski...thank you for making such a difference in the lives of so many in our community! May you Rest In Peace. You will be missed...
Gregg Potter
March 31, 2019
To the family,Dr. Okunski was a doctor's doctor. He embodied all the good that medicine offers and he delivered compassion, care and professionalism. Dr. Okunski and my mother, Amy Potter partnered numerous times at LVHN in order to help those with little or no financial means. Dr. Okunski treated me as well as my father over the years and he was amazing. The first time we met, one word came to mind. Respect.Thank you for sharing Dr. Okunski with our community. His work will never be forgotten.
March 31, 2019
As nursing studens at Allentown Hospital we were all thrilled when he came to speak in our class. That voice and the lingering pipe smell! As a RN on the med surgery units in Allentown we got to appreciate his skill and compassion. What a legacy he has left behind.
Linda Slivka
Albert Leibenguth III
March 31, 2019
I was blessed to have been born in the right place at the right time. December 18, 1970, at Allentown General Hospital, I came into the world with a bilateral cleft lip and palate. While I could never prove it, he told me that I was his first patient in private practice. It was this type of thing that he would say to make his patient's feel special. But, it was so much more than that, as any of his patients can tell you. We had his home phone number in case of emergency and while I wish I never had to use it, I did. I was about 6 years old and got hit in the face with a swing. We called him and he met us at the hospital. Luckily, everything was ok. When I was 18, I got a job at LVH and worked along side of him in the OR and Burn Unit. There is one thing that I know, the way he treated me was the way he treated all of his patients. He was the consummate professional. In even the most stressful situations, he was able to lead the staff (nurses, residents, and even other physicians), making them better for the experience. Ultimately he would perform more than 35 surgeries on me, and I couldn't have asked for a better surgeon. He will always hold a special place in my heart and I will miss him. My condolences to June, Robert, Gail, and anyone he touched that feels the way I do. An angel has gone home, and I was blessed for his time here.
nancy granitz
March 31, 2019
He was my plastic surgeon for many years. I worked along with him at the Cleft palate Clinic for 25 years. His compassion was evident to all who saw him. May he Rest in Peace in Heaven. Bless his family
Michele Leibenguth Vargo
March 31, 2019
My deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to Dr. O's family. I've known him most of my life. My brother was born with a cleft palate and Dr. O performed many surgeries. He was the kindest man and always went above and beyond. You knew he was around by the smell of his pipe. Something I will always remember. He was truly blessed and gifted and anyone who knew him benefited. He will be deeply missed.
Rosanne Walker Fox
March 31, 2019
To my childhood friend Gail, and all of the family, I offer my most sincere prayers and condolences. May the Lord bless you and keep you in this most difficult time. Dr Okunski was treasured and changed many lives for the better including mine. May flights of angels wing him to his eternal rest.
Luther (Pat) Rhodes
March 31, 2019
I can think of no finer colleague and friend than Walt Okunski. He was a role model for so many physicians, an early champion for nursing, and a true gentleman in all his dealings with patients and hospital staff There are so many great memories of patient care challenges that with Walt's surgical skills and gentle hand helped many regain their health. I was always happy to see Walt. He's missed
Heist Family
March 30, 2019
We are so sorry for your loss. Dr Okunski was one in a million. A talented surgeon and a genuinely caring individual. He performed procedures on 3 generations of my family. Our prayers are with you and your family. With sincere sympathy, Angela, Elsie, and Ronald Heist
Rebecca Bartholomew
March 30, 2019
Gail... so very sorry to hear of your dad's passing ...I can smell his pipe smell when he'd walk in to the peds unit like it was yesterday ... always a kind man ... my deepest condolences Rebecca Bartholomew
Amy Roth
March 30, 2019
Gail and family,
I'm so very sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Robin Waltrip
March 30, 2019
Thank you my friend & Dr. & being there for me to the day I was born. To I became an adult you watched me grow in to a strong women. I enjoyed all are talks we had & being there for me & my family. I know you know what we had was a good friendship. You treated me as a person. I thanked you many times & you know it came from my heart. I know you still be watching over me till we meet again. Say hi to mom & dad for me. Thanks again my friend & my Dr. Sorry for your loss family he touched many lives. Every body has story just listen it will warm your heart. Robin Waltrip
March 30, 2019
My sincere condolences to the entire Okunski family.
I had the privilege to work with Dr O for many years in burn care. He was an incredible , compassionate and humble man and surgeon. We always welcomed his arrival on the unit and savored his cherry pipe fragrance long after he left. Rest In Peace
Erin Brazil
Tami Simon
March 30, 2019
Thank you Dr Okunski for your service to our community. And thank you for sewing up my face after a bad car accident in 1979. Thanks to your skill I had minimal scarring and did not lose my eye. Rest in Eternal Peace
Amy Thompson, MD
March 30, 2019
June, Lorraine and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. As many have said he was a gentleman, a fine surgeon and teacher and I am so fortunate to have called him a colleague for the past 20 years. As an anesthesiologist fresh out of residency, he treated me with the same respect as if I had already been practicing for years. His care and concern for patients and staff was always evident. We often arrived in the parking lot at the same time, so I got to enjoy the pipe smoke on the way into the hospital, which would remind me of my grandfather. Now when I smell that tobacco I will be reminded of two great men.
S Lewis
March 30, 2019
Deepest condolences. Rest in peace, Dr. Okunski. It was a great pleasure and honor to have known you as a colleague for many years. Stacey Lewis (Yonak), RN
Erika Shak
March 30, 2019
Julie,I am so sorry to read this . Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May he Rest In Peace .Wiith our deepest sympathy Erika Shak and family
Marla Lawson
March 30, 2019
RIP Dr Okunski He was such a kind man. I will always remember taking the residents from Cedarbrook Nursing Home over for an appointment to him. He was so nice. Thoughts and prayers to his family. Marla Lawson
Darlene Wendling
March 30, 2019
My deepest condolences to June and the Okunski family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. Dr. O, treated my mother for a few years at the wound center at LVH, he was the most caring and compassionate doctor, had the best bedside manners. Over the years I would see Dr. O, at the bank he was always so pleasant. RIP Dr. O. God Bless.
Angie Bower
March 30, 2019
My sincere condolences to the entire Okunski family.
Dr. O was the sweetest man I had ever met. My 15 years working for him at PSPG were some of the best years of my life, we were a family. I will always remember the smell of cherry pipe tobacco that lingered in his office and our lengthy talks about his golden retrievers and cutting the grass LOL. He was an amazing Plastic Surgeon and an even more amazing human being. I will miss him dearly.
Rest in Peace Dr. O.
Suzette Stravinos
March 30, 2019
To the family of Dr. Okunski. I had the privilege to know and work with him at LVH in the Burn Unit and on other units as well. I and several of my family members were his patients. His expertise and remarkable bedside and professional manner is commendable. He was a teacher and friend to many of us nurses. Sincere sympathy and prayers for your loss
March 30, 2019
Our sympathy to the family. I worked with Dr. Okunski at both the Allentown Hospital and LVH. You couldn't find a more gentle, caring man .He never spoke an angry word. He was an excellent surgeon and a compassionate Dr. I will always remember his deep voice and the wonderful smell of his pipe as he made his way thru the hospital....RIP. Betty Higgins
March 30, 2019
Rest in Peace Dr. O. You were a gentleman and good and kind surgeon. You taught so many doctors and nurses to care and respect their patients. It was an honor to know and work with you.
Carol Stranzl Kovalchik
David Caccese
March 30, 2019
I had the honor and privilege to know and collaborate with Dr. Okunski for 43 years at Lehigh Valley Hospital. He was a wonderful, kind, talented physician, and a true gentleman. He provided excellent compassionate care to his patients, and was a respected colleague. He was always available and willing to help with our patients whenever he was asked.
My sympathies to June and the entire family.
David Caccese, M.D.
Maureen Bredbenner
March 30, 2019
Dr.O was a pillar in the community and an absolute icon in the work force! He touched so many lives in a very positive light.It was an honor and a blessing to have worked beside such a wonderful man and skilled surgeon! Sincere sympathy to his family.
March 30, 2019
Rest In Peace Okunski. Thanks for helping me see better. My love and prayers go out to your whole family. Tim Clark
Mercedes Torrens
March 30, 2019
My condolences to the family , I'm so sorry for your loss , he was a great doctor an a wonderful human being , he will be miss .
Mercedes Torrens
Sarah Crocket-Tone
March 30, 2019
Great man. Loved to smell the pipe smoke after he walked away. He had such great compassion for his patients. He will truly be missed.
Ellen Hyland
March 30, 2019
My deepest sympathy to Dr.
Okunski's Family. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. I was a patient of his and I also helped out with the Cleft Palate Clinic many years ago. He was a great man. He took very good care of his patients. He truly cared about them and it showed. He will be missed deeply. Rest in Peace.
Scott & Linda Mitchell
March 30, 2019
June and family,
We are saddened to hear about your loss.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family .
Trisch Sweeney
March 30, 2019
My sympathy to the family. I was a patient of Dr Okunski, and also saw him frequently while working by the hospital. A true gentleman who touched many lives. May you rest in peace Dr Okunski, and thoughts to the entire family.
Patricia Strohl
March 30, 2019
Want to send my deepest condolences to the family. Dr. Okunski touched our lives twice. First with our daughter and then our grandson. He was a wonderful kind person and appreciate all he did the for Cleft Palate Clinic. He will be missed. Rest in Peace Dr. Okunski. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Don Patt
March 30, 2019
We had the privilege of knowing Dr Okunski both professionally and socially . He was an outstanding doctor ,extremely caring and professional. His reputation preceded him. He was down to earth, funny and very social. He will be missed by all who knew him. Our sincere condolences to June and. the entire family. May be Rest In Peace. Regards, Don and Diana Patt
Judy Hutchison
March 30, 2019
He was a generous and caring man. Always had a smile on his face. Always knew when he was on the floor at the hospital by the smell of his pipe. Was a great teacher!
KAREN YELLIN
March 30, 2019
I was sorry to read of the death of Dr. Okunski. He was always a favorite physician. I'll remember his kindness, his professionalism, his skill, his voice, and-oh yes-the scent of cherry tobacco from his pipe!
He was special and will be missed.
My thoughts are with his family, friends, and co-workers.
Robin Flemming
March 30, 2019
Had the privilege to work with Dr. Okunski while I was with LVH. He was kind, patient, and generous with his time. My sympathies to the family on the loss of a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. He was simply the best.
March 30, 2019
So very proud to have had the privilege of working with this outstanding physician...a true gentleman in every way. My sincere sympathy to his wife, children and family.
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1601 W Hamilton Street, Allentown, PA 18102
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