Walter J Sakala

Walter J. Sakala, age 68, passed away surrounded by his loved ones at Overlook Hospital in Summit, NJ on Wednesday, January 24, 2018 after a brave fight against lymphoma. Walter was born April 15, 1949 in Newark to Walter and Mary Sakala. He graduated from Rutgers University in 1971 with a degree in Economics, and married Sharon (Watt) Sakala that same year. The couple moved to Union in 1979, and despite relocating to Edison in 2010, they always considered Union their home. In 2016, Walter retired from his job as a financial examiner for the state of NJ. Walter is survived by his loving wife and best friend Sharon; daughter Kristen Olson, her husband Thomas, and her children Isabella and Mia Labazzo; daughter Lauren Guenther, her husband Thomas, and their children Patrick and Dylan; son Matthew Sakala and his wife Elise; and his faithful four-legged companion, Lacy. He is also survived by his sister Joyce Sakala, his niece Penelope Hunt and nephew Hugh Billington. Walter had a great sense of humor and unique philosophy toward life, which his loved ones will remember fondly. He was a compassionate man who lived by his faith and was always there for his family and friends. Walter was the family "go-to guy"; quick to help anyone in need and rarely turned down the chance to offer a favor. Walter was passionate about his family and was a friend to all. Walter enjoyed family barbeques, holiday traditions, and always had a kind word for those who crossed his path during his daily drives, whether it be the man at the deli or the gas station attendant. He also enjoyed day-tripping with his wife to casinos, reading the newspaper, and his scratch-off lottery tickets - his last one before his passing was actually a winner! In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.