Obituary of Walter J. Mach

With his family by his side, Walter J. Mach of Vestal, New York passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at the age of 101. He will be remembered by his family and friends as an inspiring, loving, and devoted man. Walter was preceded in death by his wife, Lillian Zellock Mach; parents, Walter Mach and Mary Ann Shafran; and six siblings. He is survived by his daughter, Donna Millard; his nephew John Mack; grandchildren William Milllard, Carrie Kanzinger, and Jennifer Millard Pittenger; great-grandchildren Mia Millard Thorsen, Matthew Millard Thorsen, Jack Kanzinger, Joseph Kanzinger and Julia Millard Pittenger. Walter was born on April 7, 1921 in West Wyoming, Pennsylvania. In 1942, amidst World War II, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps and was stationed in India with the China-Burma-India Theater. Walter's unit was instrumental in supplying ally aid across the Himalayas to China. After the war, Walter attended Kings College in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. In June of 1961, he married Lillian and became a loving and devoted father to her daughter, Donna. In retirement, Walter enjoyed ballroom dancing, fishing, and spending time with his family. A Funeral Mass will be offered at St. Vincent de Paul Blessed Sacrament Church, Clubhouse Road, Vestal, Monday at 10 a.m. Rev. Edward Zandy will be the Celebrant. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Wyoming, PA with military honors. The family will receive friends at the J.A. McCormack Sons Funeral Home, 141 Main Street, Binghamton, Monday from 8:30 until 9:30 a.m. To honor Walter's life, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Danielle House, 160 Riverside Drive Binghamton, NY 13905.