Walter Joseph Pawlowski, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2025. He was 91 years old.
Born on June 4, 1934, in Brooklyn, N.Y., Walter was the cherished son of Walter Pawlowski and Florence Ostapowicz. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy from Fordham University in the Bronx, and went on to become a dedicated and hardworking businessman, owning and operating several independent drug stores. Walter remained devoted to his profession until his retirement at the age of 75.
Of all his accomplishments, Walter considered his greatest to be marrying the love of his life, Roberta Stiles, in 1956. Together, they built a beautiful life, raising six children first in the Bronx, and later in Somers, N.Y. There, they nurtured deep and lasting friendships within their community, school networks, and church.
Walter had a passion for sailing, spending many joyful summers on Candlewood Lake in Connecticut. That love of the water eventually led Walter and Roberta to retire to Lake Norman in Mooresville, N.C., where they became active members of St. Therese Catholic Church. Walter served with the Knights of Columbus, and the couple enjoyed dancing with the Mooresville Spinners, boating on the lake, attending community theater, participating in mission trips, and cruising with friends. Still, their most treasured moments were those spent simply in the company of family and loved ones.
Walter was preceded in death by his beloved wife Roberta; his children, Stephen and Christine; his parents, and his sisters, Dorothy and Joan. He is survived by his sister, Arlene Perrini of Punta Gorda, Fla.
He leaves behind a large and loving family, including his children, Walter, Kevin, John (Sarah), Robert (Kristen), and Cathy; and his son-in-law, Robert, and daughter-in-law, Anne. He was the proud grandfather of Jessica (Matt), Kristen (Will), Michelle (Chris), Alyssa (Jordan), Anna, Katelyn (Connor), Jennifer, Robert, Sean, John, Megan, Ryan, Jeconiah, Haakon, Mathias and Christian. He was also blessed with eight great-grandchildren, Ethan, Sadie, Emilia, Hogan, Tatum, Nolan, Miller, and Maisie.
Walter’s life was one marked by faith, dedication to family, and genuine joy in simple pleasures. He will be remembered for his blue eyes, good looks, charming personality, offbeat sense of humor, dancing talent and his desire to provide for his family.
A Visitation and Funeral Mass will be held at 9:30 a.m. on July 11, 2025, at St. Therese Catholic Church, Brawley School Road, Mooresville, N.C. Immediately following the funeral mass, Walter’s family asks that all attend the reception, located in the church hall, to pay respects and where stories will be shared and Walter’s life celebrated in the way he would have loved – together.
Walter will be laid to rest with his beloved wife at Gates of Heaven Cemetery in Hawthorne, N.Y.
The family asks that donations be made in honor of Walter to Catholic Charities USA.
Cavin-Cook Funeral Home and Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the Pawlowski family. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.