Walter Sakaluk

1926 - 2022

Walter Sakaluk, formerly of Monroeville, passed away Friday, Oct. 28, 2022. He was born Jan. 5, 1926, in Arnold. He attended St. Vladimir Parochial School and Arnold Public Schools, graduating from Arnold High School with the Class of 1944. A veteran of World War II, he served in both the European and Asiatic-Pacific Theaters with the 86th (Blackhawk) Army Infantry Division. He was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, Purple Heart and Bronze Star. Upon returning home, he was employed at Alcoa and used the G.I. Bill to enter college in 1947. In 1950, he received his Bachelor of Science degree at Indiana State Teachers (Indiana University of Pennsylvania) and in 1952 a Master of Education degree from the University of Pittsburgh with certification in administration. His teaching career began in 1950 at Arnold High School, Arnold, as a pioneer driver education teacher. In 1958, he took a social studies teaching position at the new Gateway High School in Monroeville, and became chairman of the department. In 1966, he became an assistant principal and later principal at South Junior High School in the Gateway School District. He retired from the district in 1987 as director of secondary education. After his retirement, he was a volunteer with Radio Information Service, Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council, Monroeville Chamber of Commerce and Western Pennsylvania Safety Council. He was a volunteer usher at the O'Reilly Theater, the Cabaret and an usher and floor manager at the Benedum Center and Byham Theater. After living in Monroeville for more than 55 years, he moved with his beloved wife, Clara Jo, to the Longwood at Oakmont retirement community. He was active socially at Longwood, serving on several committees, including the Party Committee, and enjoyed the camaraderie of friends both old and new. Walter was a member of the National Association of Secondary School Principals, served on Allegheny Chapter, Region 7 and State committees of the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees, and was vice president of the Alumni Council of Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He was a life member of the National Education Association and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He also participated in activities and committees of North American Martyrs Church in Monroeville where he was a lector for 42 years. Mr. Sakaluk had one son, David J. Sakaluk (Linda), of Charlotte, N.C.; and was the loving grandfather of Michael (Betsy), of Huntersville, N.C., and Tyler (Jackie), of Gig Harbor, Wash. He had one great-grandson, Luke, also of Gig Harbor, Wash. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, whose company he enjoyed and appreciated. Walter was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Clara Jo (Colaianni) Sakaluk; his parents, Michael and Victoria (Stapinski) Sakaluk; brothers, John, Charles "Kaiser" and Steve; and sister, Mildred Olivo. All services and burial were private. Arrangements were in the care of the GIUNTA-BERTUCCI FUNERAL HOME INC., 1509 Fifth Ave., Arnold. JohnPaul Bertucci, Owner / Supervisor. To leave online condolences, visit wwww.giunta-bertucci.com.