Walter L. Tanzer

Walter L. Tanzer died on February 16, 2016. Dr. Tanzer was born to Adolf and Klara Tanzer in New York City on July 24, 1919, and grew up on Manhattan’s Upper East Side in the Yorkville neighborhood. Walter attended New York City schools including Stuyvesant High School and City College of New York.

Walter met Vivian Schlessel at the Nature Friends camp in Midvale, NJ; and on November 17, 1942, they were married at City Hall in New York City.

Captain Tanzer served in the Army from 1941 to 1946, in artillery and intelligence units in North Africa, Italy and Austria. During his service, Walter was twice injured and received Purple Hearts. He was a highly decorated soldier and his awards included the Silver Star for combat valor.

After being discharged from the Army, Walter attended NYU and Columbia University on the GI Bill, and earned a Masters Degree and PhD in psychology. Walter worked for the New York State Division of Vocational Rehabilitation for several years, and then had a long career with the Port Washington School District as a psychologist.

Walter and Vivian lived in Brooklyn when their sons Terry and Steven were born, and then moved to Queens, where Richard was born. In 1957 the family moved to New Hyde Park, where they lived until Vivian passed away in 2009. For the past couple of years Walter lived in at Atria, in Great Neck, where he was a welcome addition to the geriatric exercise class and the daily “news and schmooze” discussion group.

Walter was a man of diverse interests. Over the years he delved into fishing, gardening, hunting for mushrooms, pottery making and birding. He became a champion sailor on his sunfish sail boat.

Walter and Vivian were avid travelers. They visited most of the United States, much of Europe and New Zealand, and parts of Africa and Asia. They enjoyed going on some cruises with friends and family.

Walter had a close relationship with his sons and their wives. As his grandchildren arrived, Walter proved himself to be an excellent grandfather to seven children, now all grown up. In recent years he became a great grandfather to five more children to carry on his legacy.

Walter was a patriot, he bravely fought in North Africa and Italy; and he strongly protested the war in Viet Nam; and he led his family in civil right marches. Walter followed politics, voted every year, and was not shy about expressing his personal opinions.

The most important thing to remember about Walter Tanzer is his dedication to family. He was a loyal and loving husband to Vivian for more than 67 years. Her wants and needs were paramount. Walter was a loving father, who wanted the best for his sons. Walter treated his nieces and nephews with love and kindness. He was the family patriarch and his house was the gathering place for his extended family for many years.

Dad, we all miss you, and cherish our memories of you.]