Walter J. "Walt" Graff

Walter "Walt" J. Graff

Walter "Walt" James Graff, age 70, of Monclova Township, Ohio, died while sleeping in his home on Monday, September 15, 2025. Walt was born on June 21, 1955, in Toledo, Ohio, to Walter John and Patricia (Wysocki) Graff. He was raised in Toledo as the oldest of four siblings. Walt attended elementary school at St. Patrick of Heatherdowns, high school at Toledo's St. John's Jesuit, and undergraduate and law school at University of Toledo. Walt married his wife, Sharon (Derlatka) Graff, on July 23, 1977, and had one child, Cassandra Graff.

During his lifetime, Walt worked for State Farm as an adjuster while attending law school, and at Lucas County Children's Services, first as a child support lawyer, and later, as an Assistant Director. Walt was a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Walt loved repairing computers, fishing, coffee, writing, cooking, baking, rough collies, and especially, debating. One of his favorite things was being called Santa Claus during the Christmas season. Walt spent his free time watching collie/sheltie videos, watching Christmas movies, watching computer repair videos, telling stories, debating, spending time with his family, and, making people laugh or smile.

Walt is survived by his loving wife, Sharon; his daughter, Cassandra; his mother, Patricia Wysocki; his brother-in-law, Terry Derlatka; his brother, Mark (Karen) Graff; his brother, Stephen Graff; his sister, Mary Ann (Ken) Rawlings; his brother, John Graff; his niece, Jordyn; his nephew, David; his collie daughter, Sable; his begrudging cat, Sasha; and his grandpurrs, Ink and Shade. He was predeceased by his father-in-law, Henry Derlatka; his father, Walter; his mother-in-law, Helen Ann Derlatka; and his brother-in-law, Kenneth Derlatka.

Walt will have visitation at Coyle Funeral Home, 1770 S. Reynolds Rd, on September 23, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with a Rosary service at 6:30 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be held at his alma mater, St. Patrick of Heatherdowns, on September 24, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., with a graveside service following at Resurrection Cemetery, on Holland Sylvania/Hill Ave., in Toledo, OH. Memorial donations may be given in Walt's name to The Lucas County Humane Society, Guide Dogs of America, or St. Jude's Hospital.

Walt would have liked people to remember some words from his two favorite characters, Yoda and Eeyore: that "do or do not, there is no try" and "what (else can) a poor old gray donkey do" but "do."

Please leave a condolence message for the family and view Walt's video tribute at CoyleFuneralHome.com.

www.coylefuneralhome.com