Ret. MSgt. Walter Anthony Przypek

Ret MSgt Walter Anthony Przypek of Yorktown, VA, a loving husband, father, (great) grandfather, and friend, born in Wolica Piaskowa, Poland, formerly known as Wladyslaw Przypek, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 30th, surrounded by family.
Walter was born June 13, 1934 to Aniela Kuc Przypek and Cyprian Przypek. He is survived by his sister, Josephine Przypek Cortis (Harold) of N. Brookfield MA, his daughters, Suzanne Przypek James (Scott) of Yorktown, VA, Nancy Przypek Christopher (Wally) of Poquoson, VA, grandchildren, Heather (Ryan), Jake (Kayla), Lora (Kris), Kelley (Adam), Kayleigh (Tim), Kevin, and Ashley, and great-grandchildren, Thomas, Addison, Emma, Owen, Ania, and Dylan. He is predeceased by his mother, Aniela (Nellie), his father, Cyprian, and the love of his life, his loving wife, Sybil Cannon Przypek. He is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews whom he loved and adored just as much as they loved and adored him.
Walter was a highly decorated retired United States Air Force veteran with 21 years of service, serving in both the Korean and Vietnam wars, as well as supporting our US military efforts during the Cold War. He later retired as a civil servant after working at NASA and the Eastern Naval Oceanography Command. Some of his most interesting accomplishments include his work on top secret crypto technology and his leadership in helping to invent the technology associated with the development of quiet helicopters at NASA. His career led him to serve in countries around the world such as Turkey, Taiwan, Thailand, and many other military Air Force locations on the East Coast of the United States.
After retirement, Walter, known by his grandchildren as “Papa,” enjoyed spending time with his large, close family and attending his grandchildrens’ activities. He was extremely giving, building computers and giving them away to extended family, and taking and developing pictures for all family functions such as reunions, weddings, and milestone birthdays. Community involvement included his affiliation with the York County Master Gardeners where he served in many capacities within several horticultural societies including the Mid-Atlantic Rhododendron Society, Colonial Virginia Holly Society, Hampton Roads Horticultural Society, and Azalea Society of America, among others. He loved gardening and his yard bloomed with hundreds of unique and native flowers, seedlings, and plant varieties – many that he created, cultivated, and named himself, which are still in circulation within local nurseries today. Many people came from near and far to view and appreciate his amazing gardening achievements.
Friends and family will be welcomed at a visitation on Thursday, May 4th 6-7pm at Amory Funeral Home in Yorktown, VA. Services will be held on Friday morning, May 5th at 10am followed by a graveside service at Peninsula Memorial Park with a celebration of life to follow at his daughter’s residence.
Memorial gifts and donations can be made to the York County Master Gardeners Association through the Virginia Cooperative Extension of York County.