Walter A. Smolenski, 91 of Charleston, SC entered eternal life at his home on Easter Sunday, April 4, 2021. He was born on April 6, 1929 in New London, CT the son of the late Walter A. Sr and Stella (Piacik) Smolenski. He attended Chapman Technical High School graduating in 1947 then attended New London Junior College graduating in 1949.
Walter was a member of the US Naval Reserves. He worked for many years at Electric Boat in Groton CT as a draftsman before retiring to Charleston SC. He enjoyed cards, bowling, playing golf, socializing with his many friends, and following many sports teams especially the NY Giants football team. He was a communicant of St. Joseph's Church in Charleston, SC where he served for many years as a Lector, Eucharistic Minister and sponsored several RCIA candidates. He was a long-time member of the Knights of Columbus.
Walter is survived by a sister and her husband; Dorothy (Smolenski) and Jack Pickering of CT, six sons; David of CT, Steven and Denise of FL, Walter and Kathy of CT, Daniel of RI, John of FL, Mark and Lisa Smolenski of CT; his 13 grandchildren; and 10 great- grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his former wife Leila M. (McGarry) Smolenski, four granddaughters, Sasha, Tessa, Gabrielle, and Amy Smolenski: and a daughter-in-law, Lauren (Busca) Smolenski.
The family would like to thank Jay Johnson of Charleston, SC, his guardian angel, for his many years of friendship and support of their father. He was a tremendous help throughout Walter's life especially for the last few months.
Viewing will be at McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, 2501 Bees Ferry Road, Charleston, SC 29414 from 6:00- 7:00 pm on Tuesday, April 6, 2021. A Mass of Christian burial will be at 11:00 on Wednesday, April 7, 2021 at St Joseph Catholic Church, Charleston, SC. Interment to follow at Live Oak Cemetery.
In Lieu of flowers donations in his memory can be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church 1695 Raoul Wallenberg Blvd, Charleston, SC 29407 or Unbound at www.unbound.org.
Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at https://www.mcalister-smith.com.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McALISTER-SMITH FUNERAL & CREMATION, West Ashley, 2501 Bees Ferry Rd, Charleston, SC 29414, (843) 722-8371.