Walter Paroby

Walter Paroby, age 89, of South Orleans, Mass., and formerly of Taylor, Pa., passed away Tuesday at Pleasant Bay Nursing Home in Brewster, Mass. He is survived by his beloved wife, Alice Mary Pelrine Paroby. Wed on Jan. 24, 1953, the couple celebrated 63 years of marriage.

Born in Taylor on Jan. 27, 1927, son of the late John (Jack) and Anna Jager Paroby, Walter was a graduate of the former Taylor High School, class of 1944. He next earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Lehigh University in 1948, before honorably serving his country in the Navy.

An accomplished engineer, Walter first worked for the Wright Aeronautical Corporation. After working for RCA, he then worked 26 years at NASA, focused on International Space Station communication satellites before consulting with the CIA.

Raised as a member of the former Immaculate Conception Church in Taylor, Walter was a devoted Roman Catholic, whose daily regiment consisted of morning Mass at St. Joan of Arc Church in Orleans, Mass., before taking his daily swim. His deep faith and devotion served as a positive influence on all of those around him.

Countless memories of Walter will remain. His family vacations at Cape Cod, his wonderful sense of humor and his love for pierogi and kielbasa, especially from Komensky's Market in Duryea, are only a few. An adoring husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, he leaves behind a lasting legacy with his family. He will be dearly missed.

He is also survived by his eight loving children, twin daughters, Kathleen Horsey and Maureen Stout and husband, Joe, all of Maryland; Patricia Range and husband, Bill, of Washington; Maryalice Smith and husband, Tom, of New York; Jamie Trapp Moore and husband, John, of Virginia; Leslie Lindstrom and husband, John, of Colorado; Walter (Michael) Paroby and Carl Paroby and wife, Sally, all of Maryland; 15 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by a granddaughter, Meredith Trapp; and three siblings, John, Anna Mae and Helen Paroby.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Walter's name to Cape Abilities, 895 Mary Dunn Road, Hyannis, MA 02601.

A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Saturday at St. Joan of Arc in Orleans, Mass. Locally, committal rites by the Rev. Francis Landry, C.P., pastor of St. Ann Basilica Parish, are scheduled for Monday at 10 a.m. at St. John's Cemetery in Duryea. Military honors by the AMVETS Honor Guard will follow.

Arrangements are under the care of the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home Inc., 517 N. Main St., Old Forge.

Visit the funeral home website to leave an online condolence.