Walter G. Bilyak

Walter George Bilyak, 88, of Meriden, passed away peacefully on Monday March 23, 2026 at Midstate Medical Center.

He was born in Meriden, on March 20, 1938, a son of the late George and Jean (Perkowski) Bilyak. Walt was raised in Wallingford where he was an accomplished athlete. Walt attended Lyman Hall High School and H. C. Wilcox Technical. Being a proud American, Walt enlisted in the National Guard and served nine years during the Cold War. He was employed at The Wallingford Steel Co. for 40 years retiring in 2000. Walt was known for his dedication to the automotive industry. He started as an apprentice auto body painter for Barberino Bros., attending school in New York. Over the years that followed he worked for many prominent auto repair shops in the Wallingford/Meriden area.

Walt was an avid sports enthusiast making all varsity teams in school, his favorite being basketball. Later in life he had a passion for playing racquetball, tennis and swimming. He followed all professional sports including auto racing. He was a loyal Green Bay Packers, New York Yankee and UCONN Women's Basketball fan.

Walt enjoyed his home and good food. He was known for his precision with a paint brush doing interior/exterior painting for others.

His travels took him to Hawaii, Bermuda and California. He enjoyed family vacations to Cape Cod, Rhode Island, Washington D. C. and New Hampshire.

Walt is survived by his two daughters; Linda (Bilyak) Manfreda of Wallingford and Katherine Bilyak of Plantsville; his granddaughter, Sarah; his great grandchildren Mark and Denver; two aunts; many cousins; a nephew and several nieces including Lisa Bozuchowski, who shared a special bond with him. Walter was predeceased by his wife Alice (Almeida) Bilyak; his sister, Delores Bozuchowski; and his brother, Richard E. Bilyak.

Walt leaves behind a legacy of laughter and a vast network of friends including George & Gloria Stowell, Maddy Mendoza and her friend Steven, Sally Smith and Robert Young.

Walt's family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the staffs of MidState Medical Center, Hartford Healthcare Palliative/Hospice Care and Yale New Haven Hospital for the excellent care they provided.

He fought life's storms with unwavering strength. He lived with a lion's heart, a gentle father, yet a fierce defender of those he loved.

"Dad, losing you was the hardest moment of my life. You were more than just a great father, you were my hero, my mentor and my friend. Thank you for the wonderful life you provided me. RIP"

Your loving daughter, Linda

Funeral services and interment at In Memoriam Cemetery in Wallingford will be private. In lieu of flowers, gifts in Walter's memory may be sent to the Special Olympics of CT.

Arrangements are under the direction of The Wallingford Funeral Home, 809 N. Main St. Ext., Wallingford.

www.wallingfordfh.com