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Walt Comisiak: A Life to Remember

By Sharri Gertler

Walter Joseph Comisiak passed away peacefully, surrounded by love, on July 24, 2024 (what would have been Barry Romo's birthday). He was a loving partner, father, brother and friend.

Walt was born alongside his twin brother Stanley on August 12, 1945, in Alexandria, Louisiana, to Stanley and Helen Chomisiak. He grew up in Chester, PA, and graduated from Chester High School and Widener College.

In November 1965, Walt enlisted for Army Technical Training and was stationed in Zelo, Italy, where he received an award as a Missile Maintenance Technician by actor George Jessel.

Walt married Joanne Adams in 1970 and had two sons, Jonathan and Jeffrey. Although Walt and Joanne remained friends, the marriage did not last. Walt then moved to the Washington, DC, area, where he met Sharri Gertler, the love of his life, in 1990. They were inseparable right from the start. Their free time was spent taking many long-distance road trips, going to music festivals, dancing, camping, spending time with friends around the fire pit (especially during COVID-19), planting and gardening, preparing for his favorite holiday—Halloween, and just being together. Walt and Sharri volunteered with many food donation programs to give back to the community.

Walt joined the Philadelphia Chapter of VVAW in the early 1970's. He felt it was the best way to peacefully protect the rights of our country. Through this organization he has made life-long friends. Walt's partner will continue to cherish those friendships as her brothers and sisters!

Although Walt was a twin, he was definitely one-of-a-kind. He had an adventurous spirit. He loved life and lived it to the fullest! There has always been so much to love about Walt. With those memories, we can always hold him in our hearts.

Walt is survived by Sharri, his loving partner of 34 years, his sons Jonathan and Jeffrey, four grandchildren, and his sibling, Stanley. Walt is pre-deceased by his younger brother, Gregory.

Walt and Sharri.