Walter M. Zurawski, 92

Walter M Zurawski,92, passed away, Friday, September 28, 2018 at Mercy Living Center, where he had resided the past two years.

Born in Tupper Lake, June 6, 1926, to Walter and Helena Zurawski he was the youngest of three children.

He graduated from Tupper Lake High School in 1944. One of his proudest achievement was being a member of the undefeated 1944 football team. He was offered a contract with the Washington Redskins Football team but turned it down to attend Canton ATI to further his education.

He served in the U. S. Army during the Korean War but never left the states. After being discharged he drove trucks for many local companies as well as being an independent contractor.

Walter was known by many names to the locals: Sammy, Sonny, or just Walt.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating on the Raquette, canoe trips and snowmobiling.

He ran the Sunmount Grill for many years with his sister Irene from their father's death until she moved away.

Sonny always had a dog or two, mostly German shepherds or cocker spaniels.

In the early 2000's his dear friend Irene got a dog named "Tiny.” The three of them would cruise the highways and backroads of the Adirondacks every Sunday. After Irene passed "Tiny" became Sonny's "watchdog.” For many years she tagged along on his daily walks and lastly riding in the basket of his mobility scooter when he could no longer walk.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Irene Fedor and Helen Nowak, his companion of many years, Irene Mayotte and two nephews, Tim Nowak and Peter Haught.

Walter is survived by two nephews Michael Fedor and Walter Fedor, four nieces Stephanie Hanna, Barbara Fedor, Mary Fedor and Deborah Fedor and many more great-grand nephews and nieces. A

Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at noon, Monday, October 8 at St. Alphonsus church. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery.

Arrangements are with the Stuart-Fortune-Keough funeral home.