Thomas M. Walter

It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Thomas Walter, 80, who passed away on Monday, December 29th. He was born on March 28, 1945, in Oil City, Pennsylvania. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, Tom was the proud patriarch of his family.
Tom was a dedicated and hardworking man who spent 36 years with General Electric, retiring in 2000. Earlier in his career, he also worked at Erie Mill and Press from 1985 to 1995. Known for his incredible work ethic, he worked tirelessly to provide for his family and took great pride in his home, lawn, vehicles, and garden. He found great joy in tending his garden and loved sharing the fruits of his labor with family, friends, and neighbors. Tom was a proud longtime member of the OLMC retirees. Always ready with a joke-many of them resulting in all-out laughter-he especially loved watching his children and grandchildren grow and succeed.
On September 19, 1964, Tom married Tonya Tedesco, and together they shared 61 years of marriage. His greatest joy and proudest accomplishment was his family, and he leaves behind a legacy of love, strong values, and cherished memories that will be carried on for generations.
Tom is survived by his loving wife, Tonya Walter; his daughter, Denise Hilliard, and her children, Rachel Hilliard of Erie, PA, and Lauren Booth (Justin) of Jacksonville, FL; his sons, Brian Walter (Cherie), and their children, Wade, Kathryn, and Audrey, of Fort Mill, SC, and Christopher Walter, of Burlington, KY; his great-grandchildren, Azari and Maverick; and his brother, James Walter (Sally), of Wellington, OH. He also leaves behind many dear Harley friends, East Side YMCA friends, and his lifelong friends, John Sutton and Randy Eastman.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff at Nightingale Nursing & Rehabilitation and AseraCare Hospice for their care and kindness.
Friends are invited to call on Saturday, January 10, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 1553 East Grandview Blvd., Erie, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m.
Arrangements are being handled by the Russell C. Schmidt and Son Funeral Home, Inc., 5000 Wattsburg Rd., Erie, PA 16504.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the East Side YMCA at 2101 Nagle Road Erie, PA 16510.
Please visit SchmidtFuneralHomeErie.com to leave a condolence on Thomas' Tribute Page. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Thomas, please visit our floral store.