Walter S. Piela
July 16, 1969 - March 31, 2025
This is to announce that Walter Piela, age 55, of Fair Lawn, NJ, passed unexpectedly on Monday, March 31, 2025.
Walter was born on July 16, 1969, in Hackensack, NJ. Walter grew up in Maywood, NJ and graduated from Paramus High School with the class of 1988. Walter eventually settled in Fair Lawn, NJ where he had lived for the rest of his life.
After High School, Walt began his career working for Bergen Pines in Paramus, NJ as a custodian. Later, he took a position at the Pascack Valley Regional High School District on the custodial staff where he worked for the rest of his career. He worked there for close to 27 years and was well known and loved by his co-workers.
Walt was devoted to his family. He attended every party he was invited to. If you invited him, he would accept and ask what he could bring (usually chicken wings, a jar of olives and a bag of Fritos). He would help clean up and share the last drink with you at the end. He was someone who loved to hang out. Never distracted by his phone, he was as enthusiastic as you were, 100% engaged in the event. Walt never met a small engine that could beat him. No one in his family needed to buy a new piece of outdoor equipment such as a lawn mower, snow blower or weed-wacker since he always had one laying around or was able to fix whatever issue you had. He would always call family members before a predicted snowstorm to make sure their snow blower was operating at peak efficiency. Walt was a fanatical Jets fan, from owning season tickets to owning hats, socks, jerseys, etc. He was an important part of the “L7” pregame tailgate crew and never missed a game. He loved the Mets, almost as much. Walt was an avid outdoorsman and fisherman. He knew a bad day fishing is better than a good day at work, and always said to try for the big ones, but always to enjoy the fight of the small ones. Later in life, Walt fell in love with Bradenton Beach Florida and the lifestyle it offered. He bought a place there and spent his vacation time there and was looking forward to retiring there. The Sandpiper community feels his loss. Walt enjoyed music very much and going to concerts. He especially liked to see Iron Maiden every time they came to the area, but he would go to see any live music and enjoy it. Walt was a friend to all he met.
Walter Piela is survived by his father, Bernard J Piela (Jane), his sister, Kathryn Tomlin (Randy), and his brother, Bernard J Piela Jr (Gretchen), as well as his nieces and nephews Mike Williamson (Liz), Carly Tomlin, Randy Tomlin Jr., Benny Piela (Chloe), Gabrielle Piela, Johnny Piela and his great nieces and nephews Trent, Isobel, Carson and Gio as well as many friends and extended family members who will miss him. Walter is predeceased by his mother Isobel Piela. We are comforted knowing that they have been reunited.
Walter’s life was a beautiful journey filled with love, laughter and memorable moments. As we mourn his passing, we celebrate his life and the everlasting mark he left on us all.
https://www.vpfairlawn.com/obituaries/Walter-S-Piela?obId=40752539