Obituary of Walter B. Grunwald

Walter Bernard Grunwald, 98, passed away after a short illness on Good Friday, March 25, 2016. He was born on August 20, 1917 in Brooklyn, New York to Mary and Joseph Grunwald. He spent his childhood hunting and fishing in beautiful Long Island, New York. He had two sisters, Madeline and Irene and one brother, Joseph. Walter was drafted at the age of 25 to serve in the Army during World War II. He served as an Infantryman 5th Army Custer Division in Northern Italy and Africa. He was one of the first men drafted from Baldwin, NY. He was awarded with an American Service Medal, and European African Middle Eastern Service Medal, and a Good Conduct Medal. Walter saw way too much death and destruction during the war but he managed to make the world a better place. After the war he returned to New York where he met and married the Love of his Life, Lisa Sterling. They were married in Baldwin and were blessed with four beautiful children, Christopher, Steven, Irene and Inge. They raised their family in Rockville Centre, NY and Walter worked as a flower grower in Westbury, NY. In 1992 Walter and Lisa moved from Rockville Centre to Rexford, NY to live with their daughter, Inge Peyron and her family. Walter enjoyed his retirement years spending time with family and friends, gardening, bird watching, reading, walking, and keeping up with world events and grocery shopping. He was surrounded by his loving wife, children, grandchildren and neighbors. Walter was predeceased by his three siblings and his son, Christopher Grunwald and his loving wife, Lisa Grunwald. He is survived by his daughter, Inge Peyron of Rexford, NY and husband, Daniel; daughter, Irene Werner of Fortuna, CA and husband, Steven; and son, Steven Grunwald of Baldwin, NY and wife, Joanne. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren, Christine, Daniel, Megan Peyron, Lisa and Slate Werner, Nick Lemaster and Erica Grunwald. Walter was an amazing father, grandfather, and friend. He was affectionately known as Pop Pop. He will be remembered for his green thumb and love of gardening, his service to his country, his peaceful temperament, birdwatching and his devotions to his family. In his later years he was lovingly cared for by his daughter, Inge Peyron. We will celebrate Walter's life with a Mass at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church in Clifton Park, NY on July 8th, followed by burial at the Saratoga National Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at glenvillefuneralhome.com.