Walter Albert Griesemer, Age 86, Date of Birth: January 23, 1923
Walter A. Griesemer, 86, died August 30, 2009, at his home in Vero Beach, FL. Born in Reading, PA, he lived most of his adult life in Wyomissing, PA, moving to Vero Beach in 2004.
He served as an officer in the U.S. Navy during World War II and was credited with saving his ship during the invasion of Okinawa. He retired from the Naval Reserve in 1962, and remained involved as a life member of the Navy LCI Association. He graduated from Wilson High School, West Lawn, PA, in 1940 and attended Millersville (PA) State Teachers College. Following the war, he completed his Bachelors degree and earned a Masters degree and Certification in Guidance from the University of Pennsylvania and Vocational Certification from Pennsylvania State University. He was an industrial arts teacher in the Reading School District, Reading, PA, and student services coordinator Reading Muhlenberg Vocational Technical School. After retiring from education, Walter served 10 years as an executive with the Explorer Programs of Boy Scouts of America.
He was a longtime member of the Calvary United Methodist Church, Wyomissing, PA, and in recent years attended the First United Methodist Church, Vero Beach. He was also a member of the National Education Association, Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees, Space Coast Florida Chapter, and Lodge 62 F&AM (42 years); he was also the President of the Griesemer Family Association (22 years).
He was preceded in death by his wife of almost 50 years, Virginia Lorraine Martin Griesemer and his two sisters, Edith Griesemer Nye and Adelaide Griesemer Mell. He is survived by daughters Fay Walters and Gail Griesemer of Vero Beach, FL, and Dawn Wagner of Glennside, PA; and grandchildren, Kristina, Meghan, Sarah, Martha, and Edward.
The Family requests in lieu of flowers, donations to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 4360 Northlake Boulevard, Suite 109, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
Memorial Services will be held Sunday September 6, 2009 at 2PM, First United Methodist Church of Vero Beach, Florida.