NISKAYUNA Wladyslaw “Walter” Lubowski, 96, entered into eternal life Friday, December 23, 2022 at his residence surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Mieleszyn, Poland, Walter lived through unprecedented times, surviving World War Two as a young adult. He emigrated to the United States and was sponsored by a farming family in Iowa. It was there, at a party, he met the love of his life, Sylvia, who recently emigrated from Sweden herself.
He enlisted in the United States Army and served proudly as a Sergeant E5 in Austria. Walter and Sylvia were married in 1952 and enjoyed 61 wonderful years together, raising a family and traveling the world with friends. They raised three daughters based on old fashioned values and love. Family, Faith and hard work. Walter was proud that all of his daughters and grandchildren went to college, hoping they would have endless opportunities for success and happiness.
Upon completion of an apprenticeship program for Veterans, he was hired as a machinist at Ford Motor Company in Green Island. He worked there his entire life, until the plant closed and he retired in 1990.
He shared his love of gardening, picnicking at local state parks and playing volleyball with his family and friends.
He truly was the Polka King. He was never happier than dancing to polkas with Sylvia in his arms. They glided effortlessly across the dance floor, mesmerizing everyone who watched.
He was an avid handyman at heart, always tinkering or repairing, and helping his daughters at their homes when needed.
He treasured his sons-in-law, considered them the sons he always wanted. He was blessed with four beautiful grandchildren as well as four great-grandchildren. They called him Dziadi, and he beamed with pride as he doted on each of them throughout his life. He shared his love of cooking and his love for weekly family poker games, and for always driving Ford vehicles, of course.
Walter was the loving father of Barbara Lubowski of Schenectady, Christine Lubowski Helm (Robert) of Albany and Linda Hendrick (late Christopher) of Colonie; brother of the late Stanley Lubowski; brother-in-law of Ann Lubowski; grandfather of Jaime Lynn Helm (Melissa), Brian Walter Helm (Ali), Corey Thomas Hendrick and Jason Christopher Hendrick; and the great grandfather of Emmerick, Alaric, George and Peyton Helm. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Thursday at 10:15 a.m. from the Fitzgerald Funeral Home, 105 Vliet Blvd., Cohoes and at 11 a.m. in St. Michael’s Church, Cohoes. Interment will be in St. Adalbert’s Cemetery, Schenectady.
Relatives and friends may visit at the funeral home Wednesday from 4-7 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Assoc., 4 Atrium Dr #100, Albany, NY 12205 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105
His family would like to thank Dr. Heather Kopff and Dr. John Nolan for taking such good care of him, along with everyone at Community Hospice.