Obituary of Walter F. Staats

Brant Lake: Walter F. Staats Jr. passed away peacefully at his home in beautiful Brant Lake Sunday, August 19. Walt was born on March 2, 1953 in Phillipsburg, New Jersey to Virginia Klaver Staats and the late Walter F. Staats Sr. Walt is survived by his wife of 27 years, Phyllis C. Staats (nee Losavio); his four daughters, Colleen, Bridgett, Jaclyn and Katie; four grandchildren, Jerry, Clayton, Emmett and Madison. In addition he leaves behind three sisters, two brothers, and many loving sisters and brothers-in-law, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. Walt started out his working career as a farmer and then a building carpenter in New Jersey. Walt and Phyllis met as “Strangers in the Night” and began their life together in Yonkers, New York where he was a residential superintendent. Always a country boy, Walt and Phyllis bought their dream home in Brant Lake, that started out as a weekend home, and eventually moving up full-time. During their life in Brant Lake, Walt served as head custodian for the North Warren Central School District. Walt was a man of simple pleasures. His happiness was derived from spending time with his family, especially at home and on his boat on Brant Lake. He took pride in beautifying his home and the surrounding landscape. He loved watching Westerns, rooting for the NY Yankees & NY Jets, and most of all cheering on his daughters and grandsons when they played sports. Christmas was Walt’s favorite time of year; he started listening to Christmas music in July! He received tremendous joy playing Santa Claus for the foster children at Northeast Parent and Child Society. A memorial celebration of Walt’s life will be held Saturday, September 8, 2012 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Granada Condominium Recreation Hall, 298 Hillside Avenue, White Plains, NY 10603 In lieu of flowers, donations in Walt’s honor can be made to the Horicon Volunteer Fire Department and The North Warren Emergency Squad, P.O. Box 120, Brant Lake, NY 12815. Both Departments were a support and comfort to the family during Walt’s final weeks. Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online guestbook, condolences and sympathy cards.