John Walski, 89, Army Veteran and Talented Musician

John Walski, former Army soldier and musician, passes away at 89

John Walski, a longtime resident of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully at his home, according to a report from the Timothy E. Ryan Home for Funerals. He was 89 years old.

Born on July 14, 1937, in Newark, New Jersey, to the late John and Mary Walski, his life spanned decades of significant personal and professional transition. His journey took him from the military service of the post-war era to a dedicated career in precision manufacturing, and finally to a life defined by musical passion and family.

A life of service and technical skill

Walski’s adult life was shaped early by military service. At age 17, he left high school to join the United States Army. Following the completion of his basic training at Fort Dix, he was stationed in Berlin, Germany, where he served for three years before his discharge. This period of service provided a foundation for his subsequent pursuit of technical expertise.

Upon returning to the United States, Walski focused on his education at Irvington Tech. This training led to a career as a tool and die maker, a highly skilled trade that requires exacting precision. He spent his professional years working for various companies, eventually concluding his career at Microstamping in Somerset, New Jersey. He retired from the company in 2003.

His personal life was anchored by his marriage to his late wife, Elizabeth, in 1964. The couple established their home in Bayonne, New Jersey, before relocating to Old Bridge in 1970. It was in Old Bridge that they raised their two sons, John and Kevin, before the family eventually moved to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, in 1989.

Musical legacy and final arrangements

Beyond his professional identity as a craftsman, Walski was deeply connected to his community through music. He was a dedicated musician, playing both the saxophone and the clarinet. His talents were shared across a variety of settings, including weddings, polka dances, local festivals, and appearances on local television shows. He maintained this musical engagement for much of his life, only retiring from performance at the age of 80.

Walski was predeceased by his wife, Elizabeth; his parents, John and Mary Walski; his brother, Harry Walski; and his sister, Sandra O’Neil. He is survived by his two sons, John and Kevin Walski.

The family has scheduled the following services to honor his memory:

Visitation: Thursday, November 12, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Timothy E. Ryan Home for Funerals, 995 Fischer Blvd., Toms River.
Funeral Service: Friday, November 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home.
Burial: Following the service, burial will take place at 1:00 p.m. at the BG William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Wrightstown, New Jersey.

Condolences may be shared with the family through the official website of the Timothy E. Ryan Home for Funerals.