Walter P. Atalski

Walter P. Atalski, 93, of Carmichaels, Pa., died at 2:25 A.M. on Friday, January 8, 2016 at the Washington County Health Center, Washington, Pa. He was born June 25, 1922 in Stowe Township, Allegheny County, Pa., a son of the late Antoni and Emilia (Malinowska) Atalski. Mr. Atalski graduated from Stowe Township High School in 1940 and entered Waynesburg College. He joined the Naval Reserve after his sophomore year and received his commission as an Ensign at the Midshipmen School, Columbia University. He served during World War II in the South Pacific for three years on three assignments.

Mr. Atalski returned to Waynesburg College after his active military service and graduated with a bachelor of science degree in 1948. During this time he met and, on July 25, 1947, married Ruth Carol Guesman of Rices Landing, who died January 25, 2011.

Mr. Atalski began his education career as a science teacher at Mapletown High School in 1951 and received his masters of education degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1953. He remained a member of Reserve Unit 4-11s in Uniontown, Pa. for 10 years and retired with a rank of Lieutenant in 1965.

Mr. Atalski worked as the principal at Carmichaels Area High School and Cowanesque Jr.-Sr. High School from 1960 to 1968 and was supervising principal at Berlin Brothers Valley School District in Somerset County, Pa. from 1968 to 1971. In 1971, he became the superintendent at Carmichaels Area School District. Mr. Atalski retired as mine safety educator for the Nemacolin Mine in Greene County.

Mr. Atalski was a past president of the Carmichaels Lions Club where he held every office at least twice. He also served as Zone Chairman in Lions District 14-M. Mr. Atalski served as a counselor and treasurer for Boy Scout Troop 192 and was a member of the Loyal Order of the Arrow. He served the American Heart Association as president of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter and chaired the Greene County Heart fund drive. In addition, Mr. Atalski served as an elder and Sunday school teacher for Hewitt Presbyterian Church in Rices Landing. He also served as secretary of the Greene County Vocational Education Planning Unit and was a member of the board of directors of Greene County Industrial Development. Mr. Atalski was a member of Waynesburg Lodge No. 153, F. & A. M. and Scottish Rite Bodies in the Valley of Pittsburgh.

Surviving are a son, Walter P. Atalski, Jr. and his wife, Elizabeth, of Fort Mill, S. C.; a daughter, Laurie C. Crossland and her husband, Richard, of Claysville, Pa.; four grandchildren, Heather Atalski Miller and her husband, Bob, Brandy Atalski Stiltner and her husband, Randy, Rachael Crossland Novak and her husband, William, and Matthew Crossland; four great grandchildren, Isaiah Taylor Stiltner, Hope Victoria Stiltner, Arthur Patrick Novak and Elliot Thomas Novak and several nieces and nephews. Deceased are three brothers, Thaddeus Atalski, C. Mitchell Atalski and Stanley Atalski and a sister, Jean Borkowski.

There will be no public viewing. Family and friends are welcome to attend a memorial service at 10:00 A.M. on Monday, January 11, 2016 at Hewitt Presbyterian Church, Rices Landing, Pa. The Rev. Geoff Rach will officiate.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to either the Hewitt Presbyterian Church, 1206 Crucible Rd., Rices Landing, PA 15357 or to the American Heart Association, 7829 National Pike E # 2, Uniontown, PA 15401.