Walter Francis Sosnowski's Obituary
Walter Francis Sosnowski went to be with the Lord, and his wife, on July 7, 2022, at the age of 84. Born
on March 23, 1938, he was the oldest child of Mary and Walter Sosnowski.
He grew up in Cranford, New Jersey, along with his brother, Johnny, and sister, Lorraine. As a child,
Walter excelled in sports and music. He learned the accordion, and played in a polka band, which
performed for weddings and other community events. He graduated from Cranford High School in 1956
where he was an All-State basketball player.
From there, he went on to Dartmouth College where he played varsity basketball and baseball. He
helped the basketball team win the Ivy League Championship and advance to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen.
Importantly, during this time he established life-long friendships with his beloved “400 Club”.
After graduation, Walter served as a navigator in the U.S. Air Force from 1961-1965 where he attained
the rank of Captain and played on the Air Force basketball and baseball teams. Among other honors, he
had the unique distinction of being the only person to gain weight during Air Force survival training,
because he would eat anything the others passed up!
While stationed at Connally Air Force Base near Waco, Texas, he met a lovely Baylor co-ed named Doris
Davis. After two months of dating, Walter asked her to marry him with the iconic proposal:
“Would you be willing to start out on nothing?” And so, on February 10th of 1962, Walter and Doris
were married at Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas, and built a legacy of love that lasted 60
years. Together they had three children: Walt, Tie, and Stephanie.
In 1965, the young family moved to the San Francisco Bay Area, where Walter began a career in
commercial real estate and ultimately landed in Orinda, California, where the family built many lasting
friendships.
In 1974, the family moved to Doris’ hometown of Dallas, Texas, and over the next years settled into the
wonderful community of University Park. They enjoyed so many life-long family friendships that endure
to this day. In addition to work responsibilities, Walter served as a volunteer coach for both of his sons’
basketball, baseball, football, and soccer teams. As a family they were all active at Park Cities Baptist
Church, where Walter taught 7th grade and 10th grade Sunday School for a number of years.
Walter was known as an outdoorsman, an avid card player, and a life-long athlete. Cycling was a passion
of his, and many times he represented the State of Texas at the U.S. National Senior Games, where he
won numerous gold medals in cycling.
In his latter years he became the grandfather adoringly known as “Pappy.” He loved to cheer on his
grandchildren at sports games and band concerts, and was cherished for his inclination for adventure,
fun bets, and tasty snacks.
What’s your fondest memory of Walter?
What’s a lesson you learned from Walter?
Share a story where Walter's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Walter you’ll never forget.
How did Walter make you smile?