Walter G. Zayhowski, Jr.

It’s with broken hearts we announced the passing of a much-loved husband, father and poppy.  Walter G. Zayhowski Jr., 83, entered eternal rest on 19 March 2025 at home, in hospice care, with his forever loving wife holding him until his final breath. 

Walt was born in Troy, NY on 1 February 1942 to the late Walter G. Sr. and Mary (Lumia) Zayhowski spending his formative years as a proud South Troy Boy.  He completed his early education in the Troy school district to include LaSalle Institute, graduating from Catholic Central and Hudson Valley. 

Walt started his career at a very early age delivering newspapers and various other private sector jobs before finding his forever career at Watervliet Arsenal.  Walt entered the workforce in 1963, went through the apprentice machinist program and ending in a managerial roll.  A few years prior to his retirement, Walt was part of a team that in three weeks, were able to design, develop and deploy the “bunker buster” that single handedly ended the Gulf War in 1991.  He would later be asked to return after his retirement to assist the skilled workforce at WVA during Operation Iraqi Freedom. 

In July 1979 he met his future wife, the former Susan Potyrala with the two sharing over 45 years raising children, building their dream home, and loving every moment of it.  Through those years there were many family camping trips and holiday celebrations with family and friends.  Later in life trips to their favorite cabin #5 at the Belle of Main in Wells and long weeks at Hampton Beach became the norm. Walt was an accomplished machinist, carpenter, and electrician who could always be found in his workshops or outside maintaining the property. Along with his wife Susan, he designed and built the home they shared to include the fabrication and installation of the cabinetry, intricate wood molding and furniture.  A one of a kind gem duplicated nowhere.   

Besides his parents, Walt was predeceased by their much-loved daughter Lisa Porter, his in-laws Michael C and Joelean (Borden) Potyrala, and his brothers Edward, Peter and Robert Zayhowski. 

Survivors include his wife Susan of Schaghticoke, his children John (Marielle) Zayhowski of Melrose, son-in-law Steven (the late Lisa) Porter of Mechanicville Brian (Alicia) Zayhowski in Florida, and Michelle (Randy) Ford of Schaghticoke. Poppy to Audrey and Abigail Zayhowski of Melrose, Ryan Porter of Clifton Park, Cody McBride of Utica, Joelean (Luke) Fane of Troy, Reileigh McBride of Mechanicville, Elijah Ford of Albany, Liam Ford of Schaghticoke, Brandon Zayhowski of Florida and Tiffany Zayhowski of Florida and two great grandchildren.   

A period of visitation for Walter will take place at Leahy Funeral Home, 336 3rd Street, Troy, New York on 25 March 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 12:00 p.m.  After the memorial service, burial will take place at St. Michaels Cemetery, 107 Middletown Road, Waterford, NY 12188. 

Walt’s family would like to thank Dr. Adriana Lisinschi and the entire staff of NYOH in Clifton Park for the excellent care he was given fighting cancer.  Also supporting the needs of the family through the final stages in the dying process was Community Hospice. 

If you wish to make a donation in Walt’s memory, please consider St. Jude’s Cancer Research, Community Hospice, or a charity of one’s own choice.   

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