Walter M. Duzzny Sr. 1939-2025

Walter was born Feb. 4, 1939, in Youngstown, the son of Michael and Mary Krill Duzzny.

Walter was the retired director of Mahoning County Emergency Management and Homeland Security, holding that position for over 29 years. He also served as the director of the Emergency 911 services of the county. He was a member of the nationwide emergency response team for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, responding to numerous national emergencies.

Active in his profession, he served in many leadership positions in both state- and national-level associations. He most recently was the president of Emergency Planning Associates LLC, a planning and consulting firm; vice president of J tyler Enterprises LLC, a motorcycle accessory business, which developed (U.S. and world patent) and manufactured the Wheelie Teach Device. He was also nationally certified in homeland security by the American Board of Forensic Examiners.

A retired U.S. Army colonel, he was the recipient of many awards and citations and served in various staff and command positions. A member of the American Legion, he was president of the Mahoning Chapter of the Reserve Officers Association. He was a charter member and past president of the Military Officers Association of America, Mahoning Shenango Valley Chapter, where he received the prestigious Ambassador Award and the Colonel Boals Award for leadership from the Reserve Officers Association. He was appointed by the Department of Defense as the military outreach director of the state of Ohio for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.

A member of SS. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church, he served as past president and vice president and was a member of the Ukrainian Orthodox League of the U.S. and Ukrainian American Veterans Inc. He was the past president of the board of directors for the Safety Council, Ohio Chapter. He was a past instructor and trainer for the criminal justice programs at Youngstown State and the Kent State police academy. He was a member of Argus Lodge 545 F & AM, past president of Public Employees Retirees Chapter 18, and a member of the Lowellville Rod and Gun Club.

Walter will be sadly missed by his family: sons, Walter (Tracy) Duzzny of Powell and Jeffrey (Renee) Duzzny of Wimauma, Florida; five grandchildren, Catherine Rose of Powell, Michael (Cara) of Fort Riley, Kansas, Nicholas of Powell, and Jacob and Jordan of Wimauma, Florida; nieces, Beth Ann Duzzny and Nancy (Jim) Fehrenbaugh; sister-in-law, Candace Duzzny; nephews, Dr. Jay (Sue Donahue) Osborne of The Villages, Florida, and David (Marty) Osborne of North Jackson.

His wife of 55 years, Kathleen Nancy Zemko Duzzny, whom he married May 8, 1965, passed away Aug. 28, 2020. In addition to his wife and parents, Walter was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Duzzny.

Private services will be held for the family Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, at the SS. Peter & Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Cemetery Chapel on Donald Avenue, off Vestal Road, in Youngstown. Full military honors will follow the service.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Kinnick Funeral Home in Youngstown.

Visit kinnickfuneralhome.com to send condolences to Walter’s family.

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