If you didn’t know Walt otherwise known as Wally, you might have been a little intimidated upon first meeting him. But beneath that gruff exterior was a true teddy bear. Wally was the kind of guy that could make friends with anyone, and he always did wherever he went. He was not only a great conversationalist but also an exceptional listener. He was caring, not just about the people closest to him, but also to his coworkers, his extended family, his fraternity brothers, his neighbors, and his children’s friends. Even in death his generosity to others was shared by his donation to the Gift of Life Donor Program. That same compassion and generosity were qualities he proudly passed on to his sons. Wally was the kind of dad every kid wished they had. He showed up, always, and for every event, football game, and milestone. He gave true advice and was a proud father. He took the greatest pride in two things: his family and his home.
Wally was a homebody at heart. Whether it was his newly finished kitchen or his lush green lawn, Wally maintained everything with care, always making sure his beloved dog didn’t ruin his perfect grass. He took pride in creating a home he truly enjoyed, especially when surrounded by his wife and children. His happiest moments were often spent in his backyard, sitting by the fire pit on a cool summer night, built by him and his son, and sipping a Voodoo Ranger IPA. When the TV was on, it was almost certainly playing the Eagles or the Phillies. And while fashion may not have been his strong suit, wearing shorts year round, was all part of what made Wally unmistakably himself.
Wally was an All-American offensive guard on the Lycoming College football team. It was there where he met the love of his life, Lori. Their first meeting even included a playful argument, which led to the affectionate nicknames they gave each other “Swami” and “Pretty Eyes.” Together they shared 36 years of marriage, building a life filled with love and raising their two sons, Nicholas (Jean) and Kevin. He was also eagerly awaiting the arrival of his two grandchildren.
Walt worked for more than 25 years at Nationwide Insurance. He was a loyal manager of a Special Investigations Unit. He treated the members of his team like they were family. Walt was a leader in all aspects of his life.
Walt is survived by his siblings Linda (Joe) Donavan, Michael (Theresa) Zataveski, Mark Zataveski, and his mother-in-law, Nancy Eden, along with many other relatives and friends. He is predeceased by his parents Walter and Mary Ann Zataveski Sr.
Come celebrate 61 great years on Friday March 20th from 6pm-9pm at Sweeney Funeral Home Riverside and again on Saturday March 21st from 10am-11am at the First Moravian Church 228 E Washington St, Riverside where there will be an 11am Service. In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to The American Heart Association at www.heart.org.
23 Comments
A beautiful man inside an out that will be truly missed. Wally is one of my best friends growing up on Thunderhead rd. There wasn’t a sport we didn’t play in the street. Wally, Wayne, Oak and myself often were knocking on each other’s doors to come out and play. I also went with Wally to Knoebels, Ashland, West Point Park, to visit Grammy several times & even to Uncle Alzie’s house. Then there’s the impromptu road trip where i picked up Wally & Bob Popdan at Lycoming and we drove to Pittsburgh to surprise Oakie! So much fun we had in a 68 Mustang with no heat getting there and back, in January, all in about 12 hrs! I am blessed for these fond memories. And even though we may have drifted after college, whenever we saw each other in passing holidays on Thunderhead or other gatherings, we could hug & talk like we never missed a beat. Wally will always be one of the brothers I never had and always have a special place in my heart. ❤️ Godspeed.
My thoughts, hugs and prayers are with the entire Zataveski Family. 🙏
I’m sorry for your loss. My heartfelt condolences.
Dear Lori, Nick and Kevin,
I am shocked when this popped up on FB thinking it was Wally’s dad! I just finished reading the beautiful obituary and my heart aches for all of you!
Wally was the best father and husband, I remember from years ago! A great sole who will be greatly missed! Sending many hugs, much love and friendship and many, many prayers as you navigate through this difficult time!
Love you, Lori, and I’m so very sorry!!💕💕
On behalf of the Bishop McDevitt community, we offer our condolences to Wally’s family and friends. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him. Rest in Peace Lancer. 💛🤍
Walt was an amazing coworker and friend. We had talked almost daily. He was always good at not letting to much time in between our chats. He was very passionate and caring about all things. Everyone is better if they had known or met Walt. Sending prayers to Lori and his family. May the memories give you comfort in this difficult time.
I had the pleasure of working with Walt for many years at Nationwide. He was such a great guy! My deepest condolences to the Zataveski family!
Always a good soul and with a passion for ‘doing what’s right’. Your energy and compassion will be missed. Deepest condolences to Lori and the family.
So sorry to hear about one of our beloved Bishop McDevitt classmates. May the family find peace in his memory.
Sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers for all family and friends. Wally was a great guy.
He helped take care of me years ago when I got my foot caught in the spokes of my bike as I came down Hallman Road. He helped get my foot out and helped me get home.
He will be missed.
Stephanie (Linde) Zabawa
Walt was the best boss I have ever had the pleasure of working for. He was not only a boss but a friend who treated everyone like family. He will be missed. RIP my friend.
To the family,
Thinking of you during this impossibly difficult time.
Walt was such a wonderful person, friend and manager. He was truly one of a kind. I was blessed to know him and work for him. There’s no question that he treated his team like family. We will all miss him greatly, but he gave us much to remember.
Lori….My prayers and LOVE go out to you and your entire family.
Lori and family,
We are all thinking of you! Wally was truly one of a kind, so many good times to remember with him and all of you guys! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all! May he rest in eternal peace! So sorry for your loss! God bless you and your family during this difficult time!
Walt was not only a co-worker for many years he was a friend. I’ll always remember talking football and going to Lafayette to watch his sons play. He was a very proud father. Walt will surely be missed by all those he came in contact with. God bless Lori, all his family, friends, and associates. May he now rest in total peace.
I am heartbroken over the loss of such a remarkable person who touched countless lives in the most positive ways. I feel truly grateful for the years I had the privilege of working with Walt. He taught me so much, and his partnership—especially as we navigated profitability in the Philadelphia market—was invaluable. I couldn’t have done it without him. Above all, I will forever cherish his friendship. My heartfelt condolences to Lori and the entire family. May you find comfort in the love surrounding you and peace in knowing the extraordinary legacy Walt leaves behind.
Wally… I can’t quite believe I’m writing this.
I met you in 1982, freshman year at Lycoming. You were a little intimidating at first, but it didn’t take long to see the truth—you were a gentle giant with the kindest heart. Just a truly good guy.
It feels especially hard knowing we were about to celebrate our 40th reunion and you’re no longer here with us. That just doesn’t feel right.
You will always be remembered and never forgotten.
Sending so much love and hugs to Lori and your boys.
Dear Lori and family,
Peace ☮️ to you all.
We are so very sorry for this tremendous loss. We stand in solidarity with you. We hold space, and vigil in prayer and in trust of God’s care. May Christ, the Good Shepherd be known to be as close as your breath. As we recall that Christ wept, we weep with you.
Remain open to all the love that the community is offering you this weekend.
In God’s relentless and eternal grace,
Rev Darrell Johnson
Palmyra Moravian
Had the pleasure of knowing Wally for a few years. Absolutely one of the kindest souls I have ever known. My deepest sympathies to Wallys family and friends.
I was saddened to hear this news yesterday. My condolences and deepest sympathies for the entire family. Having know Walt for the past 33 years I know how much family meant to him. We didn’t speak often, but when we did it was like no time had gone by since the last phone call. May God grant the entire family comfort and strength in the days ahead.
My husband and I met Walt at AEtna Phila in the late 80/90s. We were all young in the insurance industry and had a great time together. I left there after 5 yrs. In 2016 I was sitting int he Harleysville office and heard that voice again! I stood up and looked over…and sure enough he knew me immediately. It was wonderful to catch up and hear all about his family! We have been in contact on claims and life over the years. I will miss his smile, laughter and good nature! You are in my prayers during this time. I will be donating to American Heart in his name too. I was blessed to be his friend
Rick and I are so sorry for you loss. Our thoughts and prayers go to you and your family
My heart goes out to the entire family. I will always cherish the time that I had Walt as manager at Nationwide. The best thing that I will always remember is being able to talk about anything at all to relieve the stresses of life.
Wally, You will Be Missed Bro, Playing with you at Lyco & against you At McDevitt… You Lost a Great Person. Please Be Happy knowing You Spent Time with a Great Human Being.. My Prayers
Tom M #78