Walter P. Werra

On Sunday, September 4, 2022, Walter P. Werra, loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away at the age of 83. Walter was born in Staten Island, New York to Albert and Grace Werra. Walter was raised with his older brother, Albert who was hearing impaired, and younger sister, Grace, who was deaf in Westerleigh.  Walter, who was also deaf, attended Public School 40 and McKee High School, both hearing schools, and loved math! A McKee High School graduate he was a member of the junior varsity and varsity basketball teams that went to the Madison Square Garden for the Public School Athletic League playoffs. Walter studied printing, and was presented with a special award from the New York Printing School Guild. Walter joined the Staten Island Advance in 1965 for a 39-year career working as a printer within the composing room; and with the Ad Services Department; and retired in 2004.

Walter married Kathleen (“Kathy”) Murphy in 1966, and celebrated 55 years of marriage. He is survived by his wife, Kathy; daughter, Trina married to James Bradley; and son, Christopher. Walter was a proud grandfather of two beautiful granddaughters, Jacqueline and Keira.

After 65 years of living on Staten Island, Walter and Kathy moved to Sun City Grand, Arizona in 2004 upon his retirement from the SI Advance. Walter enjoyed his retirement with bowling, cooking, baking and cheering for his favorite teams from the East - the New York Yankees and the New York Jets.  He enjoyed talking about the Yankees with his son, and cousin Carl Werra. Many referred to Walter as vibrant, special and unique as he loved to tell jokes, spread smiles and kindness to all those he met. He gave a lasting impression whether you met him only one time or if you had known him for years.  Walter was passionate about sharing sign language to all ages! He supported and encouraged sign interpreters to help bridge the gap between the hearing and the deaf; and share deaf culture. He always demonstrated patience and kindness.  

Walter was an active Christian who loved to participate in many Church events including Bible study and camp.  Walter was a leader of several Deaf Ministries both during his time in New York and Arizona. Walter always made reference to his favorite verse from Philippines 4:13 and September 4th 1983 when he was baptized again as a Christian. His love and faith were so great in the Lord. Little did we know that exactly 39 years later on this September 4th the Lord would call him home. 

Walter is predeceased by his mother, father, brother, sister, and his niece Marion (nee Werra) Baburchak.  He is survived by his loving wife, children and grandchildren as well as his sister-in-laws, Gloria Werra, and Patricia Marra (nee Murphy) and husband, Joseph, as well as a niece, Linda Sclafani (Gary) and four nephews, Michael, James, David and Joseph. Services were held on Thursday, September 8th at Grand Community Baptist Church. Memories and Condolences can be posted with Camino del Sol Funeral Chapel & Cremation Center in Sun City West, Arizona.

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