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Walter Cyburt

May 30, 1923 - October 25, 2013
Livonia, MI

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Visitation

Monday, October 28, 2013
5:00 PM to 9:00 PM EDT
Turowski Life Story Funeral Homes
Livonia, West of Middlebelt
30200 Five Mile Rd.
Livonia, MI 48154
(734) 525-9020

Rosary at 7:00 PM

Driving Directions

Service

Tuesday, October 29, 2013
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM EDT
Our Lady of Loretto
17116 Olympia
Reford, MI 48240
(313) 534-9000

10:30 AM Instate

Map
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


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When reflecting on the life of Walter Cyburt, the thread most heavily woven throughout his life story was his unconditional love for his family. He was also known for his strong work ethic, his heartfelt honesty, and his love for going up north. Walter was blessed to spend the majority of his days alongside the love of his life with whom he witnessed his family tree blossom to include the generations of loved ones he cherished. Although the way before him was not easy, he was accompanied by a strong faith that never wavered. Although he will be deeply missed, Walter’s legacy will be proudly carried on by those who follow him.

Born and raised in South Fork, Pennsylvania, Walter was one of five children born to his parents, Stanley and Frances Cyburt, on May 30, 1923. His father was a coal miner, while his mother had more than enough to keep her busy at home. Although the 1920s were a prosperous time, the 1930s were a much different story as the entire decade was held firmly in the grip of the Great Depression. With a soaring unemployment rate, families did whatever they could to make ends meet, and the Cyburt family was not immune to the struggle. Resources were tight for the Cyburt family, and Walter helped out by picking up lumps of coal from the mines every day, that they used to heat their home. They also traded eggs in exchange for vegetables. He enjoyed riding down the rock dumps on coal shovels with his buddies or his family. When he got a bit older he worked in the coal mines, and he graduated from South Fork Croyle High School. Walter later studied through ICS school to become an electrician.

With a desire to serve his country, after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Walter enlisted in the Navy when he became of age. He was stationed on the USS Biloxi and was a gunner’s mate 1st class. Walter was awarded with several medals in recognition of his service. He was featured in a full page article that spoke of his heroism in shooting down four Japanese planes in under 10 minutes.

After his time in the military was fulfilled, Walter returned to his hometown and went to work in the coal mines. Before joining the Navy, he met a young woman named Stella. They met when Walter visited Michigan. Interestingly, Stella’s father was Walter’s godfather. Walter and Stella regularly corresponded during his service in the Navy. They were married on February 8, 1947, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Roman Catholic Church in Wyandotte, Michigan. Together they were blessed with six children: Valerie, Barry, Mark, Bruce, Alane, and Daniel.

Later, Walter came to Livonia, Michigan, in 1964, to begin work at Ford Motor Company and make a home for his family, whom joined him in 1965. Throughout his entire 22 year career at Ford, Walter never missed a day of work, except when hospitalized. He was cited for perfect attendance, many times over the years.

Later in life, Walter enjoyed taking time to travel to Northern Michigan to camp. He quickly grew to love being up north, and so he bought and rebuilt a cottage in Clare. Walter later built a new place on Trout Lake. Walter loved the country and he later moved to a ranch in Fenton, Michigan, when he was 71 years young.

Besides his love for family, Walter was known for a strong work ethic. He loved to work and was rarely seen without a project. He loved polka music and even learned to play the accordion. Walter loved to watch boxing, and he even tried it himself for a time. When it came to movies, his favorite actor was John Wayne.

Hardworking, kindhearted, and strong, Walter Cyburt was a blessing in the lives of all those whom knew him. He was very honest and was quick to offer a helping hand. Walter’s love for his family was easy to see, in his wife, children, and grandchildren, a great source of pride and joy. He will be dearly missed, and his memory is forever cherished.

Walter Cyburt died on October 25, 2013. Walter’s family includes his wife, Stella; children, Valerie Cyburt, Barry (Linda) Cyburt, Mark Cyburt, Bruce (Cheryl) Cyburt, and Alane (Maynard) Robinson; and 11 grandchildren. Walter was preceded in death by his loving son, Daniel. Visit with Walter’s family and friends on Monday 5-9 p.m. at Neely-Turowski Life Story Funeral Home 30200 Five Mile (Btn. Middlebelt and Merriman) with Rosary at 7 p.m. Funeral Mass 11 a.m. Tuesday at Our Lady of Loretto Catholic Church with instate at 10:30 until Mass begins. Interment at St. Augustine Catholic Cemetery in Howell. You may sign the guest book at ww.TurowskiLifeStory.com prior to arriving at the funeral home.

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