Walter Pietruska, 85, of Durham, husband of the late Gertrud "Trudy" (Wrobel) Pietruska, passed away on Thursday May 18, 2023 at Middlesex Hospital, Middletown, CT.

He was born in Fall River, MA, the son of the late Walter J. and Mary S. (Chodkowski) Pietruska. Walter served in the US Air Force achieving the rank of Airman 2nd Class.  During his service time in Germany he met his future wife of 61 years.  After moving to Middletown, he began working at the A&P Grocery Store on Main Street as well as working at the Palace Theater while obtaining his college degree.  Walter then worked for Aetna and later Travelers Insurance Company retiring in 1997 as a Computer Systems Supervisor.  During his time at Aetna he was also a member and manager of an afterhours crew of Aetna employees that moonlighted as office furniture movers for Aetna, known as the "Move Crew".  He later served as a programming consultant for The Hartford Insurance Company.  He enjoyed fishing, boating, working in his yard and walks in his neighborhood talking to his neighbors.  Walter will be remembered for being dedicated to his family, kind to his neighbors and a friend to many, while often looking to pay it forward and assist those in need.

He is survived by three sons, Walter Pietruska, Jr. of East Hampton, Norman Pietruska and his wife Kelly of Durham, Scott Pietruska of Middlefield; four grandchildren, who called him "Opa", Veronica, Kyle and his wife Sarah, Lori, and Kelsey and her fiancée Aidan; sister, Paula Thomas and her husband David of Vero Beach, FL; brother, Stephen Pietruska and his wife Sandra of Fairhaven, MA; also, a nephew, a niece, and a grandniece.

Funeral services are private and burial will be at the State Veterans' Cemetery, Middletown, CT.  There are no calling hours.  Those who wish may send memorial contributions to the American Heart Association. To share memories or express condolences online please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com.