Walter August

Walter August, 83, of Conneaut Lake, passed away, Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2015, at home surrounded by his loving family following a lengthy illness. He was born June 4, 1931, son of Peter and Ann Yadin August in West Newton, PA. He married Nancy Lee Martini on May 19, 1962 in Elizabeth, PA.; she survives. He was a 1949 graduate of West Newton High School. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1952 to 1956, and was stationed in the Philippines at Clark Air Force Base and at the Yakota Air Force Base in Japan. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. Walter was a very loving husband and father. He attended every activity that any of his children participated in at school, whether it was a play or sports. He always put his family before himself and worked hard to provide the lifestyle and home he wanted to give them. He was a member of Our Lady Queen of Americas Catholic Church, Conneaut Lake, since 1978, where he had served as Head Usher, Eucharistic Minister, Co-coordinator for the Renew Program, and helped at church dinners. He was an Insurance Investigator for Equifax (formerly Retail Credit Company) in McKeesport, PA and Meadville, PA, where he retired after 32 years. Not enjoying retirement, he worked for the Meadville Wal-Mart Store as a people greeter in the garden center where he made many friends, both co-workers and customers. Walter would tease the co-workers by warning them that he had written their name in his 'little black book' which he carried in his pocket and that he was watching them and they were on his list', and they loved it. After 16 years, he retired in 2010, but those he worked with continued to ask if their name was still in his black book and would hug him every time he went to Wal-Mart. He was a 56 year member of The American Legion Harry L. Handle Post, West Newton, PA, and the Meadville, PA Post 0111. After he left the Air Force, Walter played the snare drum in the American Legion Band at parades in the West Newton area. Walter was an avid Steeler Football fan and his loyalty never waivered even when they lost a game. He always looked forward to receiving a Steeler hat and shirt every season from his niece, Karen, who is a secretary for Dan Rooney of the Pittsburgh Steelers. In addition to his loving wife, Nancy, of 52 years, he is survived by one daughter, Beth Ann Bonner and husband, Kevin, of Tidioute, PA.; three sons, Jeffrey A. August and wife, Kathy, of North Branch, MN; Val C. August and wife, Valerie, of Conneaut, OH; Lee W. August and wife, Tracy, of Fayetteville, NC; and Joy August, who was like a daughter to him. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren: Kristen, Jeffrey Jr., Lauryn, Aleah, Aaron, and Hannah of North Branch; Christina and Amanda of Jeannette; Daniel and Brian of Tidioute; and Evan, Rachel and Caralyn of Fayetteville, NC; and 4 great-grandchildren: Izaiah, Peyton, Corey, and Kailey Lynn; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Mark Bryan; two brothers, Michael and Joseph August; one sister, Helen Grande; and parent-in-law's Joseph B. and Pearl Martini. Family and friends are welcome to call on Sunday from 12 noon until 2 PM at the Dickson Funeral Home & Crematory, 130 N Second Street, Conneaut Lake, PA 16316 Recital of the Holy Rosary will be at 2 PM. The funeral service will follow on Sunday at the Dickson Funeral Home & Crematory, 130 N Second Street, Conneaut Lake, PA with Father Jeffrey Lucas, of Our Lady Queen of the Americas Church, officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Samaritan's, Our Lady Queen of Americas Church, Conneaut Lake, PA 16316. Please sign the online guestbook at hatheway-tedesco.com Arrangements have been entrusted to the Dickson Funeral Home & Crematory, Rocco R. Tedesco III, Supervisor, 130 N Second Street, Conneaut Lake, PA 16316.