Walter A. Platt

A visitation will be held on Tuesday January 30 from 9am-12pm followed by a funeral service at Whelan Bros. & Hulchanski Funeral Home, 5854 Belle Isle Road, Syracuse, NY 13209.
Burial will follow in the Onondaga County Veterans Cemetery, 4069 Howlett Hill Road, Syracuse, NY 13215.
Walter A. Platt, 76, of Syracuse passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday January 13, 2024. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to many.
Walt was born in Boonville, New York to Walter and Florence Platt. He served in the US Army and then joined the Syracuse Police Department where he retired after 20 years. As a three time recipient of the Francis Hendricks Memorial Medal for bravery, he was the most decorated police officer in SPD history. His action in the line of duty also earned him the New York State Chiefs of Police award for heroism in 1971, the first ever to be presented to a Syracuse Police officer. His time on the force and the friendships he made there were always dear in his heart.
After retiring from the police force, Walt worked at Syracuse University for 20 years where he forged more friendships and was the picture of hard work, leadership and responsibility while supporting his children's pursuit for higher education.
Walt was an avid sports fan with a love for the great outdoors. He cherished the memories made camping, fishing, hunting, and Nascar racing with his family and friends. He took great pride in watching all of his children excel in athletics. He could always be found in the stands or watching from the sidelines, rarely missing a game. When his children were growing up he was a scheduler and board member for the Camillus Youth Hockey Association. He belonged to the Syracuse PBA. Later in life he became a member of the Bridgeport Rod & Gun Club where he volunteered his time in the kitchen, keeping the books and helping wherever he was needed. He enjoyed playing cards/poker with his good friends and never missed a police clambake.
He was a devoted husband who put his family first, always ensuring their safety and care. He was a proud Grandpa that you could always count on for a wrestling match, sword fight, sarcastic inside joke or a roaring campfire. He was quick to put a smile on the faces of his family and friends with his witty charm.Walt has touched many people in his life and was a trusted friend to many along the way. To say he will be missed is an understatement but he will live on forever in the hearts and souls of those he knew.He was predeceased by his parents and four brothers, Arnold, Jerome, Brian and Ralph.
He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Diane Platt; his four children; Steve(Missy) Maser, Jeremy(Jamie) Platt, Jessica(Angel) Colon and Joshua(Hannah) Platt; his three siblings Arlene(Ivan) Stanton, Betty(Walter) Supernaw, Randy(Kathy) Platt; his seven grandchildren; Stephen and Jacob Maser, Carney and Logan Platt, Julian, Alexis and Jaxon Colon and many nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday January 30 from 9am-12pm followed by a funeral service at Whelan Bros. & Hulchanski Funeral Home, 5854 Belle Isle Road, Syracuse, NY 13209. Burial will follow in the Onondaga County Veterans Cemetery, 4069 Howlett Hill Road, Syracuse, NY 13215.
In lieu of flowers, donation may be made in Walt's name to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 10727, Rochester, NY 14610 or online at www.cancer.org Or Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 75816, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516