Walter Michael Stepczyk peacefully passed way after a brief illness in the Hospice Unit at Middlesex Hospital a few months short of his sixty second birthday. Walt was predeceased by his parents, Dorothy and Walter Stepczyk of Middletown. Walt is survived by his family Philip and Kim Stepczyk of East Haddam, and a brother Paul.

As a person with Downs Syndrome, Walt was a productive member of his community. Living at home until the death of his parents, Walt was employed through Kuhan Employment Opportunities of Middletown then Meriden. Walt furthered his self-sufficiency through Residential Management Services of Meriden supervised living program. Walt’s family cannon thank Carol Savage and her team enough for their efforts, commitment, and caring for Walt. During his years living in Meriden, Walt worked at a number of establishments within that community.

Walt was a Special Olympics athlete participating in the Greater Middletown Special Olympics program excelling at the shot put, the 100 yard dash, the softball throw, and as a member of the 4 x 100 relay team. But Walt’s passion was ten pin bowling. For his accomplishments, Walt had won numerous gold, silver, and bronze medals from his participation in both the local and State Special Olympic Games.

Walt was an artist enjoying many hours drawing nature scenes, scenes from his youth, and creating holiday cards for his family and friends. Walt also enjoyed music, especially listening too and singing along with his favorite country music artist while strumming his guitar or playing his harmonica.

Walt’s family would also like to thank the healthcare providers from Aurora Senior Living of Cromwell for their care and kindness for Walt during the last years of his life.

And a special thank you goes out to Beth Coitrone for her countless hours spent with Walt.

A funeral Service will be held Wednesday at 9 a.m. at the Biega Funeral Home, 3 Silver St., Middletown. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made in Walt’s name to the Hospice and Palliative Care Unit at the Middlesex Hospital in Middletown. Words cannot express the family’s gratitude to the “angels of the seventh floor”. To share memories or express condolences online please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com