Walter Cegelka

Walter was an active member of St. Joseph Polish National Catholic Church where he served in the capacity of Director, Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary over many years of service to the church. He also served as Branch (362) Secretary for the Polish National Union of America. He served his country as Chairman of the US Army Grassroot Advisory Board for Broward County for about ten years from its inception. His service earned him recognition and awards.

After graduating from Syracuse University, where he earned his master’s and doctoral degrees, he started a long career in the field of education. He was a retired professor of Special Education in the College of Leadership Studies at St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens, Florida. Walter also taught and /or administered educational programs at the State University of New York, the University of Northern Colorado, the University of Kansas, the University of Missouri, Nova Southeastern University (NSU), and Florida National College (FNC). His administrative appointments included: Assistant Director of Undergraduate Education at NSU, Campus Dean at FNC, and Department Chair at St. Thomas University.

He authored two books and numerous articles on educating exceptional children. He also directed or codirected federal and state research and training projects designed to improve the education of exceptional individuals. Walter served as Education Chairman for the National Association for Retarded Children (now ARC), and was a member of the Board of Directors and Associate Editor for the Council for Exceptional Children, and served as Consultant to the President’s Committee on Mental Retardation. He was a presenter at international, national, state, and local professional conferences.

Walter is preceded in death by his parents Walter and Anna Cegelka and his younger sister Alice Cegelka.

Walter is survived by his daughter Kimberly Ogden, his son in law Greg; His son Walter W. Cegelka, his daughter in law Michelle; grandsons David Ogden, Matthew Ogden, Brennan Cegelka and Blake Cegelka; his godsons Spencer Goldson and Parker Goldson. He is also survived by special cousin Janice Chernesky, and close friends Janet Goldson, Angela Rodriguez and Judith Palacios.

The family of (Walter J. Cegelka) wishes to extend our sincere thanks to:

Fay Honeghan – Private Aide

Jackie Gordon – Private Aide

Father Krzysztof ‘Chris’ Mendelewski – St. Joseph Polish National Catholic Church

Pastor Tom Hunter – Plantation Baptist Church

Bishop Paul Sobiechowski – Holy Trinity Cathedral

Gail Petiti - Neighbor

Larry Hunter - Neighbor

A visitation for Walter will be held Saturday, September 24, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 5401 SW 64th Ave, Davie, FL 33314 followed by a funeral service from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. A committal service will be held at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, 2401 Davie Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33317, Saturday, September 24, 2022 from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.forestlawnsouth.com for the Cegelka family.