Walter Michael Kwapien, of Morgantown, died in a tragic car accident on May 15, 2024.
Walter Michael “Mike” was born and raised in Westfield, Ma. to Walter Kwapien and Mary Louise (Coccoluto) Kwapien on March 23, 1954.
He is survived by his children, James Kwapien and Rachel Kwapien, of his former wife, Sandra Malkin; also, by siblings, Patricia (Kwapien) Forry, Donald Kwapien and Laura Kwapien. His youngest sister, Mary Elizabeth (Kwapien) Whaley, passed earlier in 2024. The in-laws they brought into his life include Russell Forry, Adrianna Kwapien and Bobby Whaley. He is also survived by his grandson, Sawyer Kwapien; daughter-in-law, Sara Jean Kwapien; son-in-law, Jay Estiva; and nephews, Matthew Slentz and Caleb Kwapien.
Mike’s working life included master carpentry, then advanced training at NC State (MSEE), followed by years at IBM divisions for semiconductor design and fabrication. Later, he was a home builder and inspector.
He persevered all his life with a searching spirit despite a significant disability emerging in his 20s. For over 50 years, Mike was active among the congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses sharing the good news. This included donating skills as a master carpenter, even a stint at the well-known Brooklyn Bethel publishing facility.
After Westfield, Mike lived in several locations in New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, building lasting friendships at each juncture. Mike was deeply loved as a brother, husband and father. He is warmly remembered by friends and relatives for his gentle, sincere, loyal and hardworking nature.
The comfort Mike would offer is that he is preserved in our Creator’s memory, awaiting Christ’s call (John 5:28-29) to life eternal on a Paradise Earth. He often shared that this hope is offered to all responding to our heavenly father, Jehovah, with meekness (Psalm 37). A ‘real life’ to come (1 Timothy 6:19) joined by billions of mankind when there are no more tears (Revelation 21:3-4).
A memorial service with remote connection is planned for 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 8, in Morgantown at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, located at 379 Smithtown Road.
Smith Funeral & Cremation Care and SFCC Crematory, of Westover/Morgantown, is providing compassionate professional services to the Kwapien family.
Condolences:
https://www.smithfcc.com
