YOUNGSTOWN - Walter "Wally" Towarnicky, 79, of the city's west side, passed away early Saturday afternoon, April 2, 2016, at his home, with his family by his side.

Walter was born Nov. 26, 1936, in Youngstown, a son of the late Metro and Pauline Yakim Towarnicky, and was a lifelong area resident.

A 1955 graduate of Chaney High School, Wally was a star athlete on the track team and was a halfback on the varsity football team. After graduation, he served in the U.S. Army and the U.S. Marine Corps following the Korean War. While in the Army, Wally boxed on the Army Boxing Team and became a champion Golden Glove Boxer in Youngstown and in Cleveland, winning fights in the 118-lb. Open Division and in the 126-lb. Novice Division.

Wally was a longtime construction worker (PCC) out of Bricklayers Union Local, No. 8.

Mr. Towarnicky was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church. He was a member of Argus Lodge F&AM, and was a former member and past-master (1985) of Sulgrave Lodge F&AM, No. 696. He was also a member of FOE Aerie No. 3298 in Austintown.

Wally loved fishing, telling jokes, and swimming and diving. He also enjoyed visiting his favorite restaurants – The Landmark in Youngstown, Charly's in Austintown, and Bellaria in Cornersburg.

Wally's wife of 50 years, Juanita M. Price Towarnicky, whom he married July 29, 1961, passed away April 24, 2012.

He leaves his daughter, Rita (John "Digger") Graves of Youngstown; his grandson, Dylan Brindiar of Austintown; two sisters, Marian Lipinski of Boardman and Joanne Maruskin of Campbell; nieces and nephews, Bob Maruskin and his son, Bobby, Rick (Donna) Lipinski, Ron (Melina) Lipinski, and their children, Keri, Steven, and John, and Thomas (Laura) Lipinski; Jordan Maruskin, Jeff's daughter; and many loving extended family members.

Besides his wife, a nephew, Jeff Maruskin, and two brothers-in-law, John Lipinski and Raymond Maruskin, are deceased.

Family and friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, April 6, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Rd., Youngstown, where a Masonic service will be held at 6:30 p.m.

Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 7, at the funeral home.

Interment will be at Green Haven Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions may be made in Wally's name to Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market St., Youngstown, 44512.