Walter D. Desiderio, 93, widower of Dolores Desiderio of Boyertown, passed away on Monday, April 7, 2025, at his apartment at Walnut Woods.
Born in Philadelphia, Walter was the son of the late Oliviera Walter Desiderio and Antonetta (Sanso) Desiderio.
At the age of 12, Walter began to play the clarinet and in high school he also chose to play the alto saxophone which he continued to play for the rest of his life. He was a 1950 graduate of Upper Darby High School. He served in the United States Air Force as Band Sergeant from February 1951 until January 1953. Walter was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Pottstown.
Walter inspired others through his wit and joyful pursuits – big band/swing music, dancing and dressing fashionably. He also enjoyed boating, fishing and classic cars. In later years, Walter most especially enjoyed playing the alto saxophone in the Boyertown Alumni Band and the Pottsgrove Community Band. His greatest joy, however, was spending time with his family.
Walter is survived by three children, Karen Heidelbach, wife of James; Susan Matrone, wife of Michael; and Walter Desiderio, Jr. husband of Cindy; as well as four grandchildren: Michael, Lindsay, Bailey, and Kelsey. He is also survived by his devoted companion, Dottie Hinde.
In addition to his parents and wife, Walter is also predeceased by three sisters, Marie Marling; Nettie Quinn; and Rita Powers.
Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 from 9AM to 10:45AM followed by Military Honors at 10:45 AM at First Presbyterian Church 750 N. Evans St., Pottstown, PA 19464. A celebration of life begins at 11AM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Walter’s memory to Boyertown Alumni Band at PO Box 193, Boyertown, PA, 19512.
Walter was a resident at Walnut Woods were I work at. I got the opportunity to get to know him very well and become very close to him. He had a wonderful personality and always smiling. I loved seeing him all dressed up in his nice suits and loved listening to him play his saxophone. I’m really going to miss seeing him. Rest in peace Walt. You still own me a dance.
Susan – My deepest condolences to you and your family.
I am so sorry for your loss, I hope that your memories and stories of your life with Walt, will help you through this difficult time. I am another of Dottie Hinde’s many nieces, and although I did not get to know Walt really well, I know that he made her smile and that was the top of the line in my book.
I am so sorry to hear of Walt’s passing. Walt is my father’s cousin (Walt’s father is one of my grandmother’s brothers). I spoke to him a couple of months ago to let him know about my mother’s passing and we talked for a good while. I know he’s in a better place and with loved ones who have gone before, but he will be sorely missed.
Dear Karen and Susan , I miss Dad already. As outspoken as I am,Dad never ever got offended by me. He would say “YOU’R RIGHT.'”He had a more gentle personality. Nick and I really enjoyed playing cards every nite after dinner with Dolores and Walt.Cuz and I enjoyed pepper and egg sandwiches on the boat while fishing. (he always baited my hook. We fished everyday the weather permitted the last two years he had his boat. We really missed them when they moved . RIP dear cousin. Save me a good fishing spot.
Love Joan.
Hi Lorraine: I am Walt Desiderio’s daughter. Thank you for posting your kind words about Dad. I recognized the name “Triozzi” immediately because I have been doing a lot of family ancestry research the last few months. I find it absolutely fascinating and I’m so thankful you posted on the website. I discussed a lot of my research with Dad regarding his family tree during the last few months of his life. His long term memory was much better than his short term memory. Dad also kept very detailed records along with photographs, newspaper clippings, etc. in several photo albums . He was extremely organized and I’m so grateful to him for that. If you ever want to discuss ancestry information, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Thank you again!