Walter E. McKlusky

Walter Edward McKlusky, 85, passed away on March 26, 2025 following a brief illness. Born to Joseph and Elvira McKlusky on August 22, 1939, in Staten Island N.Y., Walter grew up in Concord with his five siblings Joseph, Marty, Elvira, Richard, and George. He eventually settled in Great Kills where he and his wife, Joyce (Fleming) McKlusky raised their three children, Timothy, Chris, and Beth; ultimately sharing 61 loving years of marriage together. Walter’s greatest joy was spending time with his children and he provided them with unconditional love and support throughout each milestone. He always had the latest camera, and would capture and record all of life's important moments. He loved to look back at the pictures he collected over the years from occasions where everyone was together, including birthdays and special ceremonies.

Walter was proud to have served in the U.S. Army’s 7th Infantry Armored Division from 1959 to 1961. After his stint in the army, he dedicated his career to public service, working for the U.S. Postal Office, the Department of Sanitation (DSNY), and Pioneer Transportation.

A man of patience and kindness, and widely admired for his lighthearted and humorous spirit, Walter was deeply loved by his family and community. He was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, where he volunteered as an usher and delighted children throughout the holiday season with his portrayal of St. Nicholas.

Throughout his life, Walter was a member of the American Legion, the Free Masons of New York, and the Great Kills Social Club, constantly finding ways to contribute his time and effort, and connect with those around him. He had a distinct ability to strike up conversation with anyone, and he was consequently able to make friends wherever he went. A devoted New York Giants fan, he was always willing to share his opinion on how the team was performing that season.

In his free time, Walter loved working on his cars, in particular his van, which he enjoyed taking on roadtrips. He was also very diligent about caring for his backyard swimming pool, where he and Joyce would welcome family and friends for summer barbecues.

Walter’s grandchildren became a focal point in his life and he cherished the time he spent with them. He was profoundly impactful in their upbringing, and consistently filled their lives with joy. They could always depend on him for a ride to school, a funny anecdote, or an uplifting text message.

Walter is survived by his wife Joyce (Fleming) McKlusky; his children Timothy McKlusky, Chris McKlusky, and Beth (McKlusky) Rubino; his daughter in-law Denise (Cappola) McKlusky; his son in-law Joseph Rubino; his six grandchildren Kevin McKlusky, Jenna McKlusky, Jared Rubino, Jillian Rubino, Julia Rubino, and Jake Rubino; his brother George McKlusky; and his many nieces and nephews.

Walter was predeceased by his parents Joseph McKlusky and Elvira McKlusky, his brothers Joseph McKlusky, Marty McKlusky, and Richard McKlusky, and his sister Elvira Schramm.

Visitation will be held at Casey-McCallum Rice Funeral Home, located at 30 Nelson Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10308, on March 30, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and again from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

The funeral service is scheduled for March 31, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 309 St Pauls Ave, Staten Island, NY 10304, at 10:30 am.