Walter Schawiak

Walter Schawiak, 66, of Bloomfield, CT passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, August 13, 2017. Born in Lea Lancashire, England on October 11, 1950, and raised in Rochester, NY, he was the son of Maria Woodstra and the late Myron Schawiak. Walter is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Maria (Benzi), daughter Veronica, son and daughter-in-law Alexander and Hilary, mother Maria Woodstra and brother Bohdan Dejneka. Also mourning his loss are Tom Benzi, Rob and Debbie Benzi, Scott and Liz (Benzi) Bochenek and their children as well as many wonderful friends. He was predeceased by his daughter Kara, step-father Jan Woodstra and beloved grandparents, Alexander and Anna Dejneka. Walter had a long successful career in the insurance industry. Forever a champion of the underdog, he felt fortunate to support those in need in a later career serving Mercy Housing & Shelter Corp. and Immaculate Conception Shelter before retiring. He was an avid reader and amazed family and friends with his knowledge on many subjects. Nicknamed “Sweet Swingin',” he loved the game of golf. Although he enjoyed playing golf anytime he could, he always looked forward to his annual Caribbean golf trip. He was a kind person and inspired his children to be loyal; to live life honorably and ethically with compassion for others. A wanderlust at heart, it was a quality he bestowed upon his daughter, Veronica, who took it to a new level. He enjoyed listening to her stories and giving her encouragement to always follow the adventure of life and to fill it with imagination and ideas. Walter, along with his son Alex and brother Bo, was a diehard Buffalo Sabres fan. The only time he missed a game was when his wife dragged him to something social. One of his greatest pleasures was taking trips to Buffalo with Alex and seeing the games live. He leaves behind his most cherished teammate, his wife, Maria. He felt so lucky to have had her by his side for almost 36 years. They experienced many wonderful times as well as many difficult times, all of which Walter said made their love deeper and stronger. In his little red book that never left his pocket, we find a quote from the Wizard to the Tin Man, “And remember my sentimental friend that a heart is not judged by how much you love but by how much you are loved by others”. Walter was all heart. We will miss you. The funeral will be on Friday, August 18th, 10:00 a.m. at St. Peter Claver Church, 47 Pleasant St., West Hartford. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery, 200 Whitman Ave., West Hartford. Calling hours are on Thursday, August 17th from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Molloy Funeral Home, 906 Farmington Ave., West Hartford, CT. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the MDS Foundation at www.MDS-Foundation.org , Mercy Housing & Shelter Corporation at www.mercyhousingct.org , Immaculate Conception Shelter at 168 Hungerford St. Hartford, CT 06106 or your favorite charity. Online expressions of sympathy may be made at www.molloyfuneralhome.com