Walter Mitro Hrinko

Walt left for his heavenly home December 26, 2025, at age 83. Services will be Saturday, January 10, 2025, beginning at 11:00 A.M., handled by Hardage-Giddens Riverside Funeral Home, Jacksonville, FL

He is predeceased by his parents, Michael Hrinko, and Lottie Jean Redzio Hrinko, siblings Lottie J. Molnar, Jacqueline Wershing, Michael K. Hrinko, Patricia Casey, Geraldine Barlak, a daughter, Pamela D. Hrinko, and grandson, Austin J. Hrinko. He is survived by his sister Barbara Sperry, and wife of 48 years, Marcella (Marcie) Durrett Hrinko, and children, Walter M. Hrinko, Jr. (Ernestine), Christine D. Valle (Jolyn), Renee L. Lee (Robbie), and Keith A. Hrinko (Th’eresamae). Grandchildren are Aaron Ogle, Kelly R. Rule, Brittni K. Dennison, Peyton T. Mccalip, Jerod D. Lee, Amber N. Hrinko. Great-Grandchildren are Anthony Harper, Addison Harper, Lincoln McCalip and Raelyn Dennison

Growing up in Denville, NJ, Walt spent many of his days swimming in Indian Lake, playing in snow, making trips into New York City, and causing mischief. He loved growing up there with his siblings, and good friends, especially his life-long friend, John Pater (or JP).

Walt enjoyed his Navy years, where he served on the U.S.S. Roosevelt as a plane captain on an A-4C jet. Mediterranean cruises gave him the opportunity to see many sights, and have many experiences. His squadron, the Bluebolts, was chosen to assist in the shakedown cruise for the U.S.S. Enterprise. He did have to jump overboard from the flight deck on that cruise, but fortunately, the nets were out and caught him. He had lots of tales of his Navy days.

Once leaving the military, he went into the Service Station business, where he was successful. He became the owner/operator of the Chevron station that was at Post and Cassat in Jacksonville, and subsequently the Chevron at Lane and Normandy, also in Jacksonville. Later years took him to the Pensacola, FL area where he was a company manager for Exxon, and later obtained his own Exxon station in Navarre, FL.

Being a mechanic, he became interested in auto racing. He owned three different cars during his racing career, and all were contenders. His six cylinder AMC Rambler was the most successful consistently running up front, and often outrunning many eight cylinder cars. Racing was a hobby he loved. Walt had the honor of being inducted into the Jax Raceway Hall of Fame in 2022.

Upon returning to Jacksonville, he went into Security, working for Wells Fargo, which has become Loomis. He always teased that he went to the malls with plenty of money, but couldn’t spend any. He subsequently changed companies, and guarded the Jacksonville Jaguars during practice sessions. Another post was Jaxport Cruise Terminal assisting passengers through the check-in process. On non-cruise days, he provided security for the grounds, which included Space-X while it was there.

During his life, he enjoyed fishing, boating, camping, and taking trips. He loved his children immensely as well as his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He made many great friends, was well respected, and loved by many.

Health issues had recently developed, which would probably have debilitated him. God, in His mercy, did not want His child to suffer, and took him home.

Pall Bearers: Walter M. Hrinko, Jr., Keith A Hrinko, Robbie H. Lee, Peyton T. McCalip, Kyle Dennison, Lester Taylor, Jr., Robert Edwards, and Donald Chapman.