Walter Sardich 1943-2022

Walt, affectionately known as “Jiddo,” was born April 26, 1943, in Youngstown, a son of the late Samuel and Ann Sironovich Sardich, and was a lifelong area resident.

Walt graduated from Chaney High School in 1961. Following graduation, Walt proudly served in the Navy until 1964 aboard the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt, where he completed two tours of Europe. Walt was always proud of his military service and supported several veterans’ programs throughout his life.

After returning from the service, Walt started working as a machine operator at Commercial Intertech, where he worked for over 20 years before transitioning to Banner Supply Co. until retirement. He worked tirelessly to provide for his family that his life was centered around. Walt was an avid Cleveland Browns fan who was always waiting for next year for a Super Bowl. Most importantly, Walt enjoyed spending time with his beloved family and friends and never turned down a cold beer or Scarsella’s cavatelli.

He leaves his wife, Barbara George, of more than 50 years, whom he married on Oct. 16, 1971; two sons, Erik (Erin) of Canfield and Todd (Julie) of Boardman; five grandchildren, Stella, Lily, Sam, Michael and Ethan — the loves of his life; one sister, Millie Terihay of Canfield; a brother-in-law, Dr. Robert (Goldie) George; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Walt was blessed to have countless lifelong friends who he loved like family.

Besides his parents, Walt was preceded in death by his in-laws, Michael and Virginia George; sister, Lucille (Alex) Komorosky; and brother-in-law, William Terihay.

Family and friends may pay their respects from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 20, 2022, at the Rossi and Santucci Funeral Home, 4221 Market St., Boardman.

There will be a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Monday, March 21, 2022, at St. Christine Church, 3165 S. Schenley Ave., Youngstown, with the Rev. Philip Rogers as officiant.

Everyone is asked to meet directly at the church to celebrate Walt’s Mass on Monday morning.

The family would like to thank Dr. Nicholas Proia, Dr. Ronald Aiello, Dr. Gerald Wasko, the VA Home Care Team and Hospice of the Valley, for the wonderful care given to Walt over the last several years.

The family requests material tributes take the form of contributions in Walt’s name to the Basilica & National Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon, 2759 N Lipkey Road, North Jackson, OH 44451.

“God saw he was getting tired, and a cure was not to be.

So he put his arms around him, and whispered, ‘Come with me.’

With tear-filled eyes we watched him suffer and fade away.

Although we loved him deeply, we could not make him stay.

A Golden heart stopped beating, hard-working hands put to rest.

God broke our hearts to prove to us he only takes the best.”

Family and friends may visit www.rossisantuccifh.com to view this obituary and / or send condolence’s to Walt’s family.

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