Walter Zbyzenski

Walter Zbyzenski was born on August 31, 1920, in Oyster Bay, Long Island, New York, and passed away on November 9, 2012 in Ojai, California. He was only 8 when his mother, Rozalija, passed...leaving his care to his brothers, primarily his oldest brother Joe, along with some assistance from their father. His parents were immigrants from Poland. He was very proud of being a Polish American. He worked on their large farm in upstate New York, employed by J.P. Morgan, and helped landscape the 1939 World's Fair in New York. Since he was a little boy, he loved the water, enjoyed clambakes, walking in the mountain streams, and skinny-dipping in the small hidden lakes. In 1940, he enlisted in the Navy, becoming a radioman. On December 7, 1941, "Ski", a nickname given to him by his fellow seamen, was aboard the U.S.S. Phoenix, berthed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. This sad event would affect him deeply, yet never feeling any animosity to any country. He achieved the rank of Chief Petty Officer, thinking he would have a career in the Navy. Then, in June 1946, Walter met Lorraine Garcia on a blind date, and a new path in his life was chosen. Engaged in September, married in November, he was now a husband, and 11 months later a father to Rosalie (Rose), their only child. In that same year, 1947, he began his banking career, eventually retiring 19 years later, as the vice president of an independent bank. Through his banking career, he gave many a chance for a new beginning, through his trust he placed on their characters, not on their bank accounts. After retirement, he and Lorraine purchased the House of Liquors in Mission San Jose, making many new friends and loyal customers. He volunteered at Rose's schools, and at their parish in Mission San Jose. Throughout their lives, they developed a deep love and relationship with the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose. Walter was a member of I.D.E.S. Co. 1, a Portuguese lodge devoted to the Holy Spirit and St. Isabel. He was a Pearl Harbor Survivor. He loved farming, gardening, and sitting in the sunshine. He also loved being with his grandchildren, Matthew and Corey, spending time sharing his sense of adventure, telling his stories, and giving his love. Walter was a loving father to Rose, grandfather to Corey and Matthew, great-grandfather of 4, and a great-great grandfather of twin girls. He was preceded in his transition by his beloved Lorraine, his wife of 61 years, yet never separated in their hearts. Remembrances may be sent to Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose, 43326 Mission Blvd., Fremont, CA 94539-5829 or to Veterans For Peace at www.veteransforpeace.org Visitation will be held on Monday, November 19, from 4-8pm with a Vigil at 7pm at Fremont Chapel of the Roses, 1940 Peralta Blvd., Fremont, CA 94536. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 20, 11am at Our Lady of Miracles, 370 Linden Ave., Gustine, CA 95322. Burial will follow at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Gustine, CA.

Walter Zbyzenski

August 31, 1920 - November 9, 2012