Walter N. KALAF

KALAF, Walter N.

was born January 30, 1925, in Brooklyn, NY, the son of N.K. Kalaf and Mabel S. Kalaf. He was a graduate of St. Petersburg High School and earned a BA and Master's of Divinity from Emory University. Florida Southern College conferred the Doctor of Divinity degree on him in 1972, and in 2002 Piedmont College conferred on him the Doctor of Humane Letters degree.

He was the founding pastor of St. Luke's United Methodist Church in St. Petersburg, FL. He left St. Luke's to become the Senior Minister of Southside UMC in Jacksonville, FL. Other pastorates prior to retirement in 1988 were Palma Ceia UMC in Tampa, FL, Coral Gables First UMC in Coral Gables, FL, and Trinity UMC in Tallahassee, FL.

Participation in the life of the community in which he lived and leadership in the social justice causes in which he believed was important to him. His participation in the wider ministry of the United Methodist Church was extensive and he worked diligently for many years supporting efforts to improve Higher Education and Ministry. Three institutions of higher education claimed his loyalty and devoted service, Emory University, Scarritt Graduate School, and Piedmont College. In retirement he devoted considerable time to continuing education for seniors both in Highlands, NC and at Oak Hammock at the University of Florida where he lived for the past 12 years.

Walter was completely devoted to his family, was enamored with music, art and gardening, and lived every minute of his life with great enthusiasm. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, the former Janie Hollis; his daughter, Leila E "Lisa" Kalaf (David Soule), Jerome AZ.; his son, John W. Kalaf (Sharon), Brandon, FL.; and grandsons, John W. Kalaf Jr., Robert R. Kalaf and Christopher H. Kalaf. Another son, Peter A. Kalaf; and brother, George P. Kalaf predeceased him. Other survivors are sister, Leila Akers, Seminole, FL, and sister-in-law, Peggy Kalaf, Port Charlotte, FL.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, March 5, 11 am at The Baughman Center, 982 Museum Rd., Gainesville, FL 32603. The family requests that in lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to The Benevolent Fund of Oak Hammock at The University of Florida, 5100 SW 25th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32608.