Birth date: May 10, 1933 Death date: Apr 2, 2024
Walter E. Danielewski, 90, of Fort Myers, Florida, formerly of New Canaan, Connecticut and Maggie Valley, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at The Preserve in Fort Myers, Florida. He was born May 1 Read Obituary
First and foremost, from being around Walter (& Clare) for so many years, I want everyone to know how proud they are of the family. I got to see and hear this first hand from both of them.
This is my brief story for me meeting & knowing Walter E Danielewski
In late summer of 2003 I met Walter… & Clare Danielewski. At first Walter was a little intimidating but he began shooting the breeze with me while I continued working. He had a glass of wine in one had while managing a stogie with the other. Over time I would arrange (by his design) for their house to be last stop of the day, he would make us a late lunch. Conversations were the highlight and we talked about anything and everything. A personal lunch favorite of mine was eggplant parm. This was one of the more difficult menu items he would prepare as it was labor intensive. Boy, did I hear about it…but it was sooo good. I could never imagine that those conversations would grow into an over 2 decade long friendship with SO MUCH interaction, over time, I looked at Walter as my best friend. I believe we were both very selective in having friends, this leading to the quality of our friendship.
Please let me share a little about one of our adventures. Me, already being a 15 year landlord, I had to defend myself against an unreasonable tenants lease exit. In short, they wrecked the place and they wanted all of their tiny security deposit. This wouldn’t be my first time going up against tenants but Walter wanted things to have a better chance of going my way. By his suggestion I countersued, with that in place he helped me practice for mediation and court. On the day of court he wanted to go, I met him early, he had put on business attire and brought a brief case. This is the part that sticks with me the most, even though there is SO MANY over the years. We entered the court house together where we were lead to a court mediator, I acknowledged as the defendant. They looked at him and asked are you his attorney; he said no, I’M HIS FRIEND! Fast forward 1 hour (while he silently watched the theatrics), the plaintiffs dropped the case and left angry…never to be heard from again.
Walter had a way about him, some may think intimidating at times, me, I enjoyed every last minute! During our last few conversations, I know he was still in there. We were getting into eating some chocolate ice cream and he blurts out “why haven’t you got married”. Ice cream nearly came flying out of my mouth. I laughed with him as I knew he still remembered. Of all the things to remember…
In my opinion, your parents (their values and constitution) come from a generation that is disappearing quickly. Helping either one of them always came naturally for me and I truly enjoyed it. I did not have the gift of calling him dad, so as time went on, the title Boss stuck; and I believe he took to it. There were so many enjoyable conversations along the way, and from those conversations I was able to absorb so much useful real life knowledge that has shaped the way I navigate through life. He taught me the TRUE definition and meaning of friend. For the one’s he cared about, he was always so willing to share. I will pay it forward whenever I can.
I will miss my friend
Walter was a giant amongst us. His influence upon my professional development and leading/living my life helping others has been profound and enduring. I spent a lot of time with him over many years and my guiding compass through many decisions and life challenges has been (and still valid to this day)...WWWD (What Would Walter Do?). His love for his family was unyielding and unconditional. His love for his sweetheart, Clare, just left me with endless admiration of their friendship and love for each other. Thanks to the entire Danielewski family for being gracious to share him with me and my family for so many years. He spoke about each of the kids and grandkids continuously, some I was fortunate to meet. I loved him so much!
Blessings to the family - John Joshua
A gentleman. He was kind, caring and considerate to everyone. He loved to talk and he made me feel like a friend. We will all miss a truly outstanding man. My heartfelt condolences to his family.
The world lost a great man. His knowledge was un precedented. He left a great family and grand children. Our sympathy and prayers for the family.
Roger and Sequana Beale
Jacksonville, Fl
Talking to him about life in general while smoking a cigar at my parents house in Florida when i visited them on mid tour leave from Iraq in 2005. He was a great guy and i respected him very much. Wish the best for his family.
