Walter J. "Wally" Zakrzewski lost his life in the line of duty on Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2006, working as a security officer at Virginia Wesleyan.
"Wally was a wonderful and kind man," said Elaine Aird, assistant director of business operations, and Wally's sister-in-law. Wally had been married to Elaine's sister, Mary-Ann, for 36 years. "He always put his God and family first in all things. Just like Mary-Ann, he loved children, and as long as I can remember, he always coached and umpired little league baseball. His proudest moments involved the marriage of his children and spending time with his granddaughters."
Born in Chicago, Ill., Wally was the son of Walter P. Zakrzewski and the late Mabel Zakrzewski. He served four years in the Navy at Little Creek Amphibious Base in Virginia Beach, Va., and after leaving the Navy, spent 35 years working in the steel mills of Chicago. After moving to Norfolk in July of 2006, Wally worked as a security officer at the College.
"Even though Wally and Mary-Ann were prepared to make a fresh start in Norfolk, his heart was always with the Chicago Cubs and the Bears," Aird said. "On a recent trip with Mary-Ann to Wally's grave, she knelt down and talked to Wally about how great the Bears are doing. She told him that she knows he had a hand in helping them reach the Super Bowl!"
Wally loved to umpire baseball, coach football and supported all sporting events within the Chicago community. He was also a dedicated volunteer for the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry and was an active parishioner of St. Columba Parish in Chicago for 33 years.
"Wally really enjoyed working with his fellow security officers, and he grew to love helping the students," Aird said. "He would come home every night after his shift and recall stories about 'his students,' and how he loved them."
Zakrzewski is survived by his wife, Mary-Ann; son, Eric; daughter, Becky; and two grandchildren, Isabella and Gabriella.
The "Officer Wally Fund" has been set up through the Anonymous Angels program at Virginia Wesleyan to collect donations to support the Zakrzewski family. To donate, contact Amy Dudley in the College Business Office at 757.455.3290.