Walter Martin Kuzniar, 85, of Morgantown, passed away on April 1, 2022, at home, surrounded by family.
Walt graduated from Rivesville High School where he was a star forward in basketball and a standout in football. Walt earned a basketball scholarship and played for West Virginia Tech until an injury ended his collegiate career after one year. However, Walt continued with his passion for basketball in league games where he scored a record high 35 points in one game for General Electric in Cleveland.
Walt worked tirelessly to support his family. Walt worked for the Consolidated Coal Company, Osage #3, afternoon shift for thirty years while concurrently, working as an independent contractor building and/or restoring homes. After retiring from the coal mines, he continued as a contractor well into his 70s despite four knee replacements, two hip replacements and cardiac issues.
Walt loved the outdoors, especially walking the trails at Copper’s Rock State Park with his wife, Lucille, and their dog, Jack. He was an avid animal advocate in his later years. He and his wife cared for a large feral cat colony, working with the local Humane Society to spay, neuter and care for the cats. Walt also helped to care for stray animals and fed the local wildlife, particularly during the winter months. Walt loved a good game of poker, going fishing and “cracking jokes” to make people smile.
Walt was a devoted and loving spouse to his wife, Reva, and a dedicated father to his five children. Walt is survived by his wife, Reva Lucille; sons, Walter Jr. and Gregory; and daughters, Rosemary Eaglen, Sherri Williamson and Kelli Kuzniar-Bonevento. Walt is also survived by four grandchildren, two step-grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. His granddaughter, Brittany Chedester, was by his side at the time of his death and provided extensive support during the last year of his life.
The family would like to extend our most sincere gratitude to the caregivers who assisted Walt during the past year. They became his extended family. They demonstrated devotion, care and love in addition to the daily care. The caregivers are Jennifer Bertha, Mary Elkins, Kelsey Hornsby, Julie Halfhill, Jayla Shade, Danielle Watkins and Brad Swiger. The family would also like to thank Amedisys Hospice of Morgantown for their loving care and assistance. Lastly, the family would like to acknowledge the special support and friendship of Gina Spencer over the last 30 years.
The family is planning a celebration of life at Cooper’s Rock State Park in October of this year. In lieu of flowers, Walt requested for donations made in his honor to the organization Animal Friends of North Central West Virginia (animalfriendswv.org).
Condolences:
fredjenkinsfuneralhome.com
