Walter L. "Wally" Gergely Sr.

Walter L. “Wally” Gergely, 87, of Homosassa, FL, passed away on Friday, May 28, 2021 at his home. A native of Joliet, Illinois, he was born March 13, 1934, one of eight children to immigrant parents from Hungary, the late Steven and Wilma (Gorgy) Gergely. Wally, as he was known to everyone, learned to speak Hungarian as a child, and graduated from Dyer High School, Dyer, Indiana, in 1952. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1954 and served his country honorably and proudly also in the United States Marine Corps as a Navy hospital corpsman; two years in the Navy and two years in the Marines. He then enjoyed a long 38 year career as the owner and operator of Wally’s Haircare in Highland, Indiana. One personal highlight of Wally’s life was the time he backpacked through Europe for two months at the age of 65. He visited relatives in Romania and cruised to Egypt and various islands throughout Europe. Wally was truly blessed during his life, loved dancing and rollercoasters, and upon his retirement to Homosassa, became a faithful and devoted member of Faith Lutheran Church in Lecanto, Florida. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his seven siblings; Steve, Andy, Don, Shon, Grace, Ann and Wilma, also known as “Mim”. Wally was blessed with five children: Wally Jr. (Anni), Ginger Murphy (Tim), Lisa Doughman (Brian), Kristin Halloran and Jill Kreis (John); 15 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Friends will be received on Thurs., June 3, 2021 from 1:00 to 3:00 P.M. at Wilder Funeral Home, Homosassa, Florida, where a Celebration Of Life will begin at 3:00 P.M. with military honors and Pastor Stephen Lane of Faith Lutheran Church, Lecanto, officiating. Further services and interment will take place in Indiana on Sat., June 12, 2021 under the direction of Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, Crown Point, Indiana. In lieu of flowers, Wally's family suggests memorial contributions in his name to Faith Lutheran Church, 935 S. Crystal Glen Dr., Lecanto, FL 34461 www.wilderfuneral.com