Walter J. Boshonek, 82, of Williamsburg, Va. passed away Friday, March 30, 2018. He was born in 1935 to Onfry and Mary Boshonek of New York City.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Michael, William and John (Olga); and one sister, Ann Harrison (Bill).
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Joyce; sons, Robert (Nikole) and James (Angelique); daughters, Chrisanne Johansen (David) and Lisa Kelley (Dave); 12 grandchildren, Jennifer, Elizabeth, L. James, Nicholas, Derek, Alona, Alexander, Evan, William, Caroline, James and Katharine; two step-grandchildren, Aaron and Avery; four great-grandchildren; beloved niece, Deborah Harrison; and several grand-nieces and nephews.
Walter graduated from Leonia High School, Leonia, N.J., in 1954. As the son of early 20th century immigrants, patriotism and service to country was very important to his family and he followed his brothers into the U.S. Navy serving on the USS Tarawa and the USS Antietam until his honorable discharge in 1958.
He attended Fairleigh Dickenson University, N.J., and then began a long career as a recreational therapist for the New York State Psychiatric Center, Binghamton, N.Y., retiring in 1993 after 30 years of service.
He moved with his family to Williamsburg, Va., in 1994 and shortly thereafter went to work part time at Busch Gardens as a river boat captain on the Rhine River. He loved interacting with the guests and other captains and was very sad to have to leave after 17 years due to health reasons. He was a proud member of American Legion Post 39. His hobbies included traveling the world, gardening (especially roses and vegetables), photography and videos documenting his large family.
Visitation will be held from 3 to 5 p.m., Thursday, April 5, 2018, at Nelsen Funeral Home. Interment will be at a later date at the Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Olaf’s Building Fund, Williamsburg, Va.; Hospice House and Support Care of Williamsburg; or the MDS Foundation.
Share online condolences with the family at nelsenwilliamsburg.com.
