Walter F. Risler

Albany - Walter Francis Risler, 83, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2016 at the Community Hospice Inn at St. Peter’s Hospital after a short illness surrounded by his large and loving family. Walter was born on February 24, 1933 in Albany to his dear late mother Anna Buell Risler and the late Edward Risler. He lived in and enjoyed exploring various neighborhoods in the city with his older brother Frank, younger brother William who died in 1944 at age 8, and his young sister Florence. Walter “Peaches” Risler graduated from Albany High School in 1952, where he enjoyed playing basketball for three years when as a senior “he saw plenty of action” and varsity baseball his senior year. There he dated the then Rosemary Generali, class of 1951, who would later become his wife in 1956. Walter served his country during the Korean War from 1953 to 1955 in the United States Army, being stationed at Camp Pickett, Virginia. He served in the famous 3D Armored Cavalry Regiment – the “Brave Rifles” – first as a Private and rising to the rank of Corporal in Company “A” First Battalion. He was proud to be the Company Clerk – “like Radar O’Reilly in M*A*S*H on TV” – he’d explain to his kids. Walter and Rosemary were married in 1956 at St. Patrick's Church in Albany and lived on Livingston Avenue, where they began raising a fast growing family, which also included his teenage sister Florence. They eventually moved to the Village of Colonie in 1963, and worked hard to make the house he still lived in up to his passing into a home for their five children and a fun place to visit for his many future grandchildren. He became active in the then small village by joining the Colonie Fire Company. He served alongside his childhood friend Bill Shatraw, and soon became lifelong friends with his late brethren Dom Masone, Bill Ruggaber and John Moser, and through socializing with their wives the late Mike Lamanna. He enjoyed marching in the summer dress parades held throughout the state, playing the bass drum in the Moonshiner’s Parade, and working on the Company’s fundraiser – the O.C. Buck Carnival – when it came to town. Walter and Rosemary also became members of the Church of St. Clare’s parish, where their children were taught the Catholic faith. With his children grown, Walter worshiped at historic St. Mary’s Church in Albany at the 7AM Sunday Mass as he was fond of pastor Fr. James Lefebvre, and most recently with his son John’s family at the Church of Christ the King in Westmere. Walter began working for Niagara Mohawk in 1955 in the Gas Department – “I’m just a ditch digger” he would humbly tell his children – enduring many cold winters and long, hot summers. He eventually became a Supervisor in the Gas Department, where he was known as a tough but fair “boss”, before retiring in 1994. In his retirement he enjoyed the many luncheons and gatherings organized by the Pension Club East and the 25 Year Club. Immeasurable and heartfelt thanks to his longtime co-worker and wonderful friend Tom Traegler, who helped Walter get to many events and assisted him greatly at them after he lost his sight in 2007. Walter eventually adjusted as best he could to his vision loss, and while never an avid reader before, he “read” thousands of books on tape sent to him by the NYS Talking Book & Braille Library. His favorite genres were crime, mystery and detective stories. He rooted for Notre Dame Football and loved the New York Yankees (and hated them at the same time!). He was showered by his children and grandchildren with countless Notre Dame and Yankees caps, shirts and other memorabilia which he wore and displayed with pride. He took his young family on summer vacations to Atlantic City, Washington, DC and Williamsburg, VA, enjoyed traveling to Florida in winter with Rosemary while still working, and then taking his grandchildren to Lake George, Ocean City, MD and Misquamicut Beach, RI for fun summer vacations. Walter’s dear wife Rosemary passed away in 2013 after 57 years of marriage and they would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary just last week on April 21, 2016. He is survived by his sons Paul (Jeanette) of Whitesboro, NY, William (Lisa Jackson) of Albany, NY, Daniel (Patricia) of Rexford, NY and John (Susan) of Albany, NY and daughter Laurie Romand (Dan) of Schenectady, NY. Walter was immensely proud of his children’s academic achievements, and his walls were covered with plaques and diplomas of the many schools they attended. He could barely see out of the rear window of his car because of all the school decals lined up on top of one another! He also leaves behind his 14 grandchildren whom he loved – Joshua (Mia), Megan, Jenna, Hannah, Emma, Lilli, Fayth, Lance, Cai, Matthew (Kelly), Patrick and Anne Risler, Melissa Foust (Stephen) and Rebecca Pelletier. He was overjoyed to meet his great-granddaughter Grace Risler in 2015. He was saddened by the loss of the late Liam and Jonah Foust. He is also survived by his brother Frank Risler (Mary), sister Florence Ford (Joseph), sister-in-law Tini Generali, many Risler and Generali nieces and nephews, many Nardolillo first cousins of his late wife Rosemary, and scores of friends. He was predeceased by his loving mother-in-law Angeline Generali, his children’s generous surrogate grandfather John “Packey” Carlton, and his wife’s three brothers, Frank, John and Charles Generali, all of whom brought him great joy. Much thanks to the many health care professionals who cared for Walter as he endured health challenges as he aged, especially his longtime physician Dr. Alan Fogel and the many doctors at Pulmonary & Critical Care Services, including most recently Dr. Anthony Cagino. Relatives and friends are invited and may visit with Walter’s family on Friday, April 29, 2016 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm in the McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen Street, Albany. Funeral services Saturday, April 30, 2016 at 7:45 am from McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen Street, Albany thence to Christ the King Church, Westmere at 9:00 am where a Funeral Mass will be celebrated. The Rite of Interment will immediately follow the Mass at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery in Niskayuna. Memorial donations may be made to The Community Hospice, Gift Processing Center, 310 S. Manning Blvd., Albany, New York 12208 or the Northeastern Association of the Blind at Albany (NABA), 301 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12206. To leave Walter’s family a message on their guestbook, light a candle, obtain directions, or view other helpful services, please visit www.McVeighFuneralHome.com

Tributes

Walter F. Risler

February 24, 1933 - April 25, 2016