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Walter J. Zaborniak

Walter Zaborniak Obituary

ZABORNIAK Walter J. Zaborniak, Commander, USN Retired, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 5, 2008 in Jacksonville, FL surrounded by his loving family. Walter attended school at St. Charles Academy and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from St. Mary's college, Baltimore, MD. He then began a career as a naval officer in Pensacola, FL. While later stationed in Jacksonville, FL he met and married Helen Atalla, his loving and devoted wife of 50 years. He then attended the war College in Newport, Rhode Island, served as a naval aviator, worked with Special Forces, and served a tour of duty in Vietnam. After 22 years he retired from the Navy and moved back to Jacksonville, FL. He worked for JEA, and for a time, served as Director of Personnel for the City of Jacksonville, completing a second long career of civil service. Walter is survived by his wife, Helen Atalla Zaborniak, his daughter, Michelle Z. Simmons, Atlanta, GA, and his son David Z. Zaborniak, Jacksonville, FL, two grandchildren, Allan and Natalie Simmons, and their father, Curt Simmons, Atlanta, GA. He is also survived by his brother, Robert Zaborniak, Summerfield, FL, his sister, Patricia V. Zaborniak, Lakewood, NJ, and sister Dolores Fox, Trenton, NJ. Additionally, he is survived by two loving sisters-in-law, Mary Ann Atalla and Linda Atalla, nieces, Alexa Atalla Graf and Helena Atalla Parola, Jacksonville, FL, and nephews, Eddie Fox and David Fox, Trenton, NJ. Walter was a man who lived a full, rich life. He enjoyed a close-knit family and a wide circle of friends. His humor and support will be greatly missed. A visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. on Friday, February 8, with a vigil service 6:15 p.m. at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 11801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32223. The funeral mass will be held 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church at the Old Historic Church, 4124 Loretto Road. Donations to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, would be greatly appreciated. Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com

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Published by Florida Times-Union from Feb. 7 to Feb. 9, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Walter Zaborniak

15 Entries

Art Costa, Jr.

February 19, 2008

David, my father just told me of your fathers passing, I am so sorry to hear it. Kim, the kids and I will keep you and your family in our thoughts.

Fred Abood

February 17, 2008

Helen and family,

My mom just told me about your loss. We are so saddened to hear about Walt. Mom mentioned that she was in your wedding and by coincidence Terry and I came across a picture of Mitch and Linda's wedding just yesterday. You are in our thoughts.

Fred and Terry

Jean & Ralph Parks

February 16, 2008

Dear Helen, Mary Ann, David, Michele and Family,
Ralph and I are saddened to learn about Walt's passing. You and Walt were wonderful neighbors, and we shared many lovely, fun times together. When we think of Walt, we smile, because he brought joy and enthusiasm to all of us on Heritage Tral. He will be missed, but is with us in spirit forever. God Bless and take care. Love, Jean and Ralph

dot rodgers

February 13, 2008

mary ann and family,just wanted to let you know that i am thinking about you.

Melody Rothe

February 13, 2008

Walt was one of my favorite people to see at Publix. It was truly a pleasure to see him. He was such a nice and sweet man. He will truly be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife and children.

Patricia Johnson

February 10, 2008

Helen and Family:
I was greatly saddened to hear of Walt's passing. I had the privilege of working for Walt when he served as Personnel Director. I found him to be a very dedicated and conscientious professional, as well as a kind and caring person.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Mary Adams

February 8, 2008

Helen, You and your family are in my heart and prayers, I often think of you, Walt and Mary Ann, keep your hand in Gods hand and he will take care of you and the family.

Helen Husted

February 8, 2008

Helen, you've lost a loving husband and Michelle and David, you've lost a loving father, and I've lost the best co-worker and friend a person could ever have. Your memories will hold you close in the coming days. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Arlene Grimm

February 8, 2008

My heartfelt sympathy to your family.
The last time I saw Walt it was like looking at my own fathers face, the resemblance was outstanding! I miss my dad and I know how much Walt will be missed by his family and friends. Maybe Walt and " Uncle Stish" have reunited in heaven at this very moment.
God Bless,
Arlene Zaborniak Grimm
St Augustine, Florida

Danny & Margie Foye

February 8, 2008

Helen and Family

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of sorrow.

Robin Rukab-Azzam

February 8, 2008

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

FRANK @RACHEL LYONS

February 8, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

willie frank lyons

February 7, 2008

MAY GOD BE YOU AND YOUR FAMILY

Tina Longobucco

February 7, 2008

David,

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this hard time. Cherish your memories with your dad!

Tina

Teresa Akel

February 7, 2008

David,
I was so sorry to hear about your father. I know how close you were with him. Please know I'm thinking of you and your family and praying for you as well. May God bless you all, and may he rest in peace.

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