03/12/1924*06/15/2018
The Lord took him peacefully into his arms at home under Hospice care. Born in Little Falls, New York to Anastasia and Michael Kuzmak. Graduated from Little Falls High School in 1942 where he lettered in football and basketball. Enlisted in the Army Air Corps in December 1942 and was accepted in the Cadet program and completed his pilot training. Piloted B-24 Bombers over Europe from Panatella Italy with the 15th Airforce. Completed 25 missions before the war in Europe ended. Awarded the Purple Heart for injuries sustained during combat missions.
Upon return to the United States, he remained in the Army Air Corps Transport Command until separation in 1946.
He graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy New York with a Bachelor of Aeronautical Engineering. He was a member of Gamma Alpha Rho honorary Aeronautical Engineering Society. He moved to southern California upon graduation and accepting employment with North American Aviation in Downey, California. He obtained Master of Science in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Southern California. In 1959 moved to Northern California with employment at Lockheed Missiles and Space Division and perused further studies at Stanford University toward Doctorate of Engineering. He was licensed as Professional Engineer in the State of California. Retired from Lockheed in 1980 and enjoyed many wonderful years traveling to many countries, cruising and spending lake time at Lake Front home in Clear Lake CA, and in Green Valley.
He contributed over 4000 hours as a docent instructor volunteer at Titan Missile Museum.
He was a member of Madera Post 131 American Legion and Elks Lodge 2592 in Green Valley, and a life member of the Arizona Aerospace Foundation.
Walter leaves his loving wife, Doris, 3 days short of their 69th wedding anniversary, daughter Marilyn Maynard-Drake, granddaughter Cynthia Sundman and great-grandson Nicholas Walter Sundman and many nieces, nephews, grand and great-grand nieces and nephews. Proceeded in death by his parents and two brothers, Dr. Peter Kuzmak and John Kuzmak. Thanks to the Southern Arizona Veterans Health Care System for their excellent care as well as Kathryn Ratnik, caregiver, for her devotion for the past 2-1/2 years. Thanks also to Arista Hospice through the VA for their support at the end.
Walter was a member of St Francis in the Valley Episcopal Church where a celebration of life and
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