Walter J. Kania, Jr., passed away suddenly, at Mercy Hospital, at the age of 59.

The son of the late Mary (Messenger) and late Walter J. Kania, Sr., Walter was the devoted father of Jessica (Cameron) Poland, Melissa (P. Ryan) Burgess and also survived by his children's mother, Bernadette "Bonnie" (nee Sikora) Kania.

A loving grandfather of Jamison Poland and Jackson Poland.

The dearest brother-in-law of Richard (Sandra) Sikora, Gerald (Carol) Sikora, Sue (George) Zgliczynski, Nancy (Ben) Wetmore and Tom (Kelly) Sikora.

He was a longtime colleague and friend of Chuck and Keri Marazzo and also left several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Relatives and friends are invited to gather for a Celebration of Walter's Life on Friday, January 12th, 2018 (his 60th birthday) from 4-7 PM at the PIETSZAK FUNERAL HOME, located at 2400 William Street (near Harlem Road) where a funeral service, conducted by Rev. James B. Cunningham, will follow at 7 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory are welcome to Baker Victory Services Foster Care Program, 125 Martin Road, Lackawanna, New York 14218.

His inurnment will be held privately, at a later date.

In his younger years, Walter was very active with his children at the former St. Agnes School, in Buffalo New York and also enjoyed helping the school by serving beer at the former Ralph Wilson Stadium and heralding as the greatest armchair coach the Buffalo Bills ever had.

He was a laid back and easy going kind of guy, who liked to play "Candy Crush" and spent whatever time he could with his grandchildren.

Walter began his working career at Twin Fair as a meat cutter, transferring to Super Duper, then proceeded to Wil-Par Packing, before joining the now, Latina Boulevard Foods. He was a Center of the Plate Specialist at Latina Food Service and Boulevard Produce, which together is Latina Boulevard Foods, LLC, the largest locally owned and operated, food service distributor, in Western New York.