Obituary: Walter E. Grapkoski

Walter E. Grapkoski of Danbury, beloved husband of Norma (Manning) Grapkoski, passed away at his home on November 23rd. 

He was born September 13, 1921, one of six children of Anthony and Felicia Grapkoski of Terryville. He moved to Danbury with his family in 1925 and resided there for the last 86 years.

In addition to his cherished wife of 22 years, he will be sadly missed by his three daughters, whom he called his three “Angels,” Felicia Dinho and her husband, Alan, Nancy Grapkoski and her husband, Frank Gillespie, and Mary Albert and her husband, Paul; his seven grandchildren, Alan Dinho and his wife, Erica, Tricia Lagrua and her husband, Jim, Breanne, Aubri and Zachary Gillespie, and Chad and Jake Albert; and his five great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Lucille Roth, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his first wife of 32 years, Antoinette (Setaro) Grapkoski, three sisters, and one brother.

A member of the Sacred Heart Church of Danbury, Grapkoski was also a member of the Parish Council and the church choir. He founded the church bingo in 1974 and ran it until 1995. He was president of the Sacred Heart Holy Name Society and a trustee for 11 years. Walter was the recipient of Sacred Heart Church‘s “Parishioner of the Century” award.

Grapkoski entered the Army in November 1942, completed his basic training in Blanding, Florida, and was assigned to G Company, 119th Infantry, 30th Division. During World War II, he participated in the landing on Omaha Beach, France, and was wounded in action at St. Lo, France, in July 1944. After recovering, he returned to duty in the same outfit as a sergeant in charge of a machine gun unit.  On October 17, 1944, Walter was wounded in Aachen, Germany, and transferred to a hospital in England. He returned to the United States on a hospital ship with Bing Crosby and spent the next 11 months in the Halloran General Hospital in Staten Island, New York. He was discharged from the hospital and honorably discharged from the Army in 1945.

During his service, he was awarded two Purple Hearts, the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the European Theater Medal, the Combat Infantry Badge, and the European Theater of Operations Ribbon with two Bronze Stars.

He attended Sacred Heart School and graduated from Danbury High School in 1939. After the service, he worked for First National Stores before becoming the owner of Walt’s Food Store. He later worked as a sales representative for the Metropolitan Insurance Company, where he retired in 1981 after 25 years.

A lifetime member of the American Legion Post No. 60, where he twice served as commander, Walter was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 149, where he served as senior vice commander. He was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans Lee Hartell Chapter, a member of the Military Order of Purple Heart, a member of the Knights of Columbus, and a member of the Catholic War Veterans Post No. 1042. Forty years ago, Walter started the Legion Flag Program, displaying flags along Main Street on patriotic holidays. The program has continued until the present day.

Grapkoski was an honored recipient of the “Proudly We Hail” flag displaying award, presented by the Danbury Exchange Club. In 1990, he received the “Man of the Year” award from Nutmeg Federal Bank. In 1991, he received the Mayor’s Civic Proclamation Award. On behalf of the Council of Veterans of the City of Danbury, Walter served as Parade Marshal for the 2000 Memorial Day Parade. In 2004, he received the Civic Award from the Old Timers Athletic Association.

A 10-gallon blood donor and past captain of Community Chest Drive, Grapkoski was also a volunteer driver for the American Red Cross Blood Bank and the American Cancer Society.

While he lived his life serving his family, church, country, and community, he most enjoyed spending time with the children in his family, gardening, and hiking. An avid, lifelong Boston Red Sox fan, Walter attended game one of the 2004 World Series and watched them win their first title in his lifetime. He possessed a sharp wit and devilish sense of humor that will always be remembered and missed.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, November 26th at 10:30am at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Danbury. Burial will follow in St. Peter Cemetery. There are no calling hours.

Memorial Contributions in his memory may be made to Sacred Heart of Jesus Church.