Walter Niemczura

Walter M. Niemczura Sr., 88, of Naples Florida, formerly of Girard, passed away on Monday, September 2, 2019, peacefully at his residence.  Many of his family know him as “Pappy” and his grandchildren fondly referred to him as “Grumps”.  Walter had a larger-than-life personality and he loved to instigate fun conversation.  He made friends easily and made others around him feel comfortable.  He loved to fish for crappies at Pymatuning Reservoir, play golf, help his kids with projects and cheer on The Ohio State University Buckeyes.  While his passing was unexpected, we are grateful that he did not suffer.

Walter was born August 4, 1931, in Campbell, Ohio, the son of John and Victoria (Zastawany) Niemczura. Walter retired in 1991, as a manager for Ohio Bell, after 34 years. He was elected and served two terms as a Girard City Councilman, Chairman of the Girard Homecoming Parade and Festival, and President of the Girard Athletic Boosters. He was a member of Christus Victor Lutheran Church, in Naples, Florida, and a former member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, in Girard, Ohio, the SNPJ Lodge #643 and the Telephone Pioneers Club. He proudly served his country during the Korean Conflict in the US Air Force.

He will be missed by his wife of 62 years, Janice (Frankford), children Charlane Niemczura (Ginger Gilles), Walter M. Niemczura, Jr. (Monica Niemczura), Cindy Swafford (Chuck Swafford), and the grandchildren he cherished – Cassie Swafford, Ali Swafford, Julia Niemczura and Walter Niemczura III.  His family gathered together in Naples, FL last month to celebrate his 88th birthday and had a wonderful and memorable occasion.

Funeral services to celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, September 7th, 10:00 AM at the Trinity Lutheran Church . The family will receive relatives and friends on Friday from 6-8 PM at the Blackstone Funeral Home.  Walter will be laid to rest at Girard City Cemetery, with military honors,  following the funeral service on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests any memorial contributions be made to Trinity Lutheran Church. Visit www.blackstonefuneralhome.com to view this obituary and to send any expressions of sympathy to the family.