Age 95, of Polish Hill, passed away after a short illness but peacefully surrounded by his loving family. Walter went to heaven on June 17th, 2026, the day after his and his "girlfriend/wife's" wedding anniversary. Born on March 30, 1931 in the Shaler area of Pittsburgh and resided for 92 of his years on Polish Hill. Walter, also known to many as "Walt, Red, Jr, Uncle, Candyman" and most importantly, "Daddy" to his only daughter, attended IHM Grade School, Herron Hill Junior High School and Washington Vocational where he learned many trades and mastered them through his years.

Walter was a very young working boy and delivered the Sun Tele papers to those on Polish Hill and Bigelow Blvd for many years. He always recalled when World War 2 started in l939 he sold more papers than he ever did on Bigelow Blvd. He even made the Sun Tele paper himself for his age and years delivering. It was through this job that he was able to buy his very 1st Lionel train with his brother Ricky. This started quite a love of model Trains and lasted the rest of his life.

Walt joined the Navy just shy of the age of 18, was stationed on the USS MIDWAY for 2 years and in 1951 was honorably discharged and then was in the reserves for 6 years. Junior aspired to be a machinist while in the service but life had it's own ideas.

It was in 1951 that he met the love of his life, as he called her, "his girlfriend", his future wife, Julia Samek. It was a blind date at Kennywood set up by her brother's brother-in-law, Eddie, who was a Plumber who had taken Red on as an apprentice. Julia had no intentions of marrying a "Redhead" and so they were married on June l6, 1956 and shared 63 wonderful years together when Julia passed away on Christmas Eve of 2019. On June 16th, the day before Walt went to see his "girlfriend" in Heaven they would have been married 70 years. They had one daughter, Julie (Julia).

Walter was introduced into plumbing by several wonderful Plumbers. He learned on the job for several years before he became a Union Plumber with Local 27 for many years. Red worked several jobs at a time to provide for his family, from working on vehicles for the city to extra plumbing jobs until he became a Plumbing Inspector for Allegheny County. Walt took great pride in "doing the right thing for the homeowner". He was quite well known by plumbers as a bit tough and by the book. His motto even at the age of 95 was "do the work for someone as you would do it for yourself". Red was very lucky to be able to retire at the age of 62 and had 33 years of retirement. It never stopped him from working everywhere on everything. Anyone that needed help knew he would be there.

Walt was a man of many talents, from plumbing to machinist, to electrical, to carpentry where he and his brothers not only built a 3 story cross and star that hung on the house for Christmas for many years, but also built the stands that were used at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church festivals for many years. There was nothing he could not do and if he couldn't do it he would figure out how.

He loved to repair watches and most especially model trains.

Juniors' hobbies were not only gardening, and was very proud of his roses, for many years, but collecting and attending and selling trains at many train shows. It was also a family vacation twice a year and train meet that took many family members to York PA for the Train Collectors meet. These were times he missed in his later years and would always reminisce about them. Junior loved to tell jokes, smile and put smiles on everyone's faces.

One of his great loves, beside Julia and his daughter, Julie, was Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. He was a devoted parishioner for his lifetime and was the Mr Fix it and Handyman that would repair whatever was needed. He was the light bulb replacer until his nephew and brother took over. He was an usher for IHM for many years and took pride in everything he did for the church, as it was his 2nd home. One of the things that he will be remembered for is being the "candyman". In the late 60's and 70's he and his wife and daughter had a little store on Herron Avenue called "Sinicki's Flower and Gift Shop", He had many items and it became a wonderful social area for all, which included not only model car contests but candy-a-rama candy. So his "candyman" status continued at all Saturday evening masses at IHM. He not only gave out candy to all that attended but had special bags for the kids attending which brought such love and friendships from all that received them. He developed special bonds with those who are now adults and still keep in touch.

Walt was a wonderful family man, friend, and neighbor. He will be very missed by many who loved to hear his jokes, smiles, kindness and love of God.

He leaves behind his cherished daughter, Julie Sinicki of Polish Hill, his beloved Brother, Robert Sinicki, his Sister, Dorothy Sinicki and Brothers, Raymond Sinicki and Eugene (Doris) Sinicki, Sisters-in-law, Marge Samek and Theresa Hajduk. Also many godchildren, nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews and great great nieces and nephews and many adopted grandchildren of the heart.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Laura (Ganczak) Sinicki, and brothers, Richard (Jackie) Sinicki, Henry Sinicki, and sisters-in-law, Carol Sinicki and Loraine Sinicki. Walt was a loving friend to many and always tried to make people happy. 

Family and friends are welcomed at the WALTER J. ZALEWSKI FUNERAL HOME, 216 44th Street, Lawrenceville, on Monday, June 22, 2026 from 6 to 8 p.m. and Tuesday, June 23, 2026 from 2 to 8 p.m. Funeral Mass at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at 11:30am.