Walter Leland Cerese

A multi-talented and irreverent man, Walter Cerese could charm you one minute and shock you the next. He had little interest in societal norms, preferring instead to do things his own way. Planting trees, shrubs, bulbs, and flowers grounded him and gave him a sense of peace and joy. The plants seemed to respond in kind—his gardens grew and flourished, a little wild, a little unruly, a little overgrown—just like him.

He is deeply loved by his wife Linze, his daughter Rebecca, his son Jake, and the many friends he made along the way in New York, Nevada, and North Carolina. He and Linze, despite their separation, remained bonded for over a half century, speaking nearly every day, especially about how proud they were of their children, who they consider their greatest accomplishments.

Walter grew up fast and fearless, already fixing things around his childhood home at an early age. He loved tools of all kinds and saw his own hands as tools themselves—extensions of instinct and skill, a conduit for his gift for making and mending.

Born and raised in Elmont, New York, Walter moved to Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn with Linze at the age of 21. Just three blocks from their apartment, he fell in love with a beautiful Victorian home that spanned five lots. Not long after his son Jake was born, Walter found himself, by chance, speaking with the owner—unaware that the house was about to be listed for sale the very next day. Walter and Linze purchased the four-story home and moved in soon after, with Linze’s parents occupying the lower two floors. It was a remarkable place, and Walter poured his blood, sweat, and tears into it for over a decade. As always, he had his hand in everything—the yard became immaculately landscaped, and the interior reflected his unmistakable touch including a central vacuum system that he installed himself. This house became a home where many great memories were made, including the building of an actual igloo, summer barbeques, searches for treasure, digging for worms, games of catch, and so much more.

Walter possessed a formidable work ethic, and his profession was an important part of his identity. In his prime, you could find him working as an electrical purchaser, surrounded by stacks of catalogs, notepads, and old-school landline phones. He played a role in the ongoing railroad construction in New York City. Over the years, he also worked in cafés, hardware stores, and restaurants. His self-proclaimed favorite job—and perhaps the most meaningful chapter of his life—took place in a town of just 68 people: Baker, Nevada. There, Walter wore every hat imaginable—construction, electrical, laundry, dishwasher, handyman, and gardener—playing an essential role in supporting his son and daughter-in-law’s restaurant and motel near Great Basin National Park.

Walter’s personal life was marked by both deep challenges and moments of growth. His struggles with mental health and substance use were lifelong, and he later battled with type 1 diabetes and chronic pain. In his mid-40s, Walter came out as openly gay, and his life shifted in profound ways. No longer living in secrecy, he faced both ongoing and new challenges, many of them difficult to overcome. This period also brought him a new community of friends and sense of liberation and, ultimately, a form of radical acceptance that allowed space for moments of peace, happiness, and letting go.

In the final chapter of his life, Walter continued to find solace in his garden. It remained his sanctuary. We hope that wherever he is now, he is surrounded by the most beautiful garden imaginable.

Thank you, Walter. We love you.