A Eulogy for Walt Stojak

John Milardo, president of the MMPA and a city employee, wrote in the most recent MMPA Newsletter, published May 27, this eulogy for Walt Stojak, a retired City of Middletown employee.

City of Middletown unionized employees have lost another friend. Walt Stojak, a retired Public Works employee passed away last night, after a tough battle with cancer.

Walt worked for the Public Works-City Yard Garage for a number of years. He began his employ with the City in 1974. After years of doing his job, Walt injured his back while performing his mechanic duties, and had to undergo multiple surgeries. He officially retired in 2001.

Walt and his wife “Cookie” were inseparable. “Cookie” was the only person in the world Walt would try not to tick off. Both of them would always be helping out their kids and grandchildren. Son’s Lauren and Wally, and daughter Cara and their families are everything to them. They are both very proud of their children and their families.

I first met Walt at the old “Three Coins Bar” many, many, years ago, before he got a job at City Yard. We hit it off right away. Anyone who ever met him knew from the very start how he felt about things, or you! Some people didn’t like his straight forward attitude; I loved it. Wally didn’t mince words very much; he would “tell you like it is”, whether you wanted to hear it or not.

Walt and “Cookie” could cook like nobody else. They helped their son Wally in his business endeavors. Walt would help out at the business, doing anything he could. One of Walt’s favorite sayings, which he allowed me to use over the years is; “Thank God my kids didn’t take after me!” I’m sorry to disappoint him, but they did: and that’s a good thing.

Over the years, whenever we’d meet, we would talk about family and old times. For some reason, talk always included “Rafala’s”, “Three Coin’s”, “Lastrina’s”, “Marino’s”, and “Fireside”, all historic gathering establishments of Middletown’s past.

Walt would stop by to see me whenever he felt like it; sometimes he’d even bring me a coffee if I razzed him enough. Last time I saw him, we talked about his illness. He wanted to beat it; but didn’t know if he would. I tried to give him encouragement; and told him to stay focused on his family and himself. I’m sure he didn’t need me to tell him that.

Walter Stojak was a hard working family man. He was an AFSCME, Local 466 employee, and a friend to many. There was no one else like Walt; he was one of a kind, and will be missed.

To his loving wife “Cookie”, his son’s Lauren and Wally, their daughter Cara, and all their grandchildren and family members, my sincere condolences, as well as all the MMPA and AFSCME members.

Hats off to one of our Union Brothers. Rest in Peace Walt.