Walter Michael Kraskowski

Walter “Walt” Kraskowski of Orlando, Florida went to be with the Lord on December 23, 2019. Walt suffered from numerous medical conditions over the past few years and this in addition to losing his beautiful daughter, Amanda in recent times. He passed peacefully at Cornerstone Hospice of Ocoee, FL, with his loving wife, Susan by his side. Walt was comforted in knowing that he would be reunited with his daughter and other loved ones who have preceded him to heaven. Walt was born on October 13, 1949 in New Haven, Connecticut and moved to Daytona Beach, Florida in 1955. He attended Mainland Sr High and graduated 1967. He was a member of the renowned Mainland High School Marching Band playing trumpet and baritone. This is where he met the love of his life Susan Davis. She was also a member of this prestigious band. They married October 17, 1970 and celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary just last October. After high school, Walt attended Daytona Beach Community College now known as Daytona State. While in college, he worked as a part-time stock crew member with Publix and quickly worked his way up to Assistant Store Manager. He took early retirement from Publix and started a new career with Southern Wine & Spirits as a salesman in the wine division with the central Florida territory. During his 30+ years tenure he moved up the ranks to Director of Marketing. He held a Salesperson Wine & Spirits license with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Walt had expert knowledge of the many different types of wines, the regions in which they were made, how they were processed and aged. He attended many seminars and wine tastings around the world where he and his wife Susan were often able to travel together. Their travels included; Spain, Italy, Mexico, Tahiti, California, and New York in addition to many cruises navigating the world. People who knew Walt knew that family was everything. He loved spending time with his family and friends, and one of his greatest pleasures was treating those he loved to special dining experiences. Here he was able to share his knowledge and love of wine and embrace the special relationship. In addition to him being an ardent traveler, he was also a Bull Gator in spirit. The Florida Gators were his team. He would never miss a game and on that rare occasion when it was impossible to see live, he would record the game so as to not miss a thing. Walt was a special husband, father, son, grandson, cousin, nephew, and friend to many. Walt is is preceded in death by his daughter; Amanda Kraskowski-Bates, his parents; Walter B. Kraskowski and Christine (Dolly) G. Kraskowski, his mother in law; Florence (Flo) E. Davis, and his brother-in-law; Steven E. Davis. He is survived by his wife; Susan Davis Kraskowski, his grandson; Harrison Michael Bates, his granddaughter; Amelia Priscilla Bates, his father-in-law; Perry Edward Davis (Mary Adele), his brother-in-law; George Randall Davis (Peggy O’Reilly), his sister-in-laws; Annette Davis and Diane Davis, niece; Jenna Davis, nephews; Sean Davis, Steven E. Davis Jr, Don Whipple, and Steven E. Davis, III along with many other relatives and close friends. Walt’s wishes were to not have a memorial service but rather to remember him fondly and keep his spirit alive. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice in Walt’s memory. Susan Kraskowski wishes to acknowledge and thank everyone who has surrounded her with love and support as she traverses this most difficult journey. Losing loved ones is one of life’s hardest challenges to bear; however, comfort is received from beautiful memories and through special family and friends. It has been touching to learn how her husband and daughter’s lives have touched many. May their Heavenly Journey bring us all comfort until we are all reunited for that great gig in the sky. “And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance.” ~Kahlil Gibran Arrangements are under the careful direction of DeGusipe Funeral Home.

Walter Michael Kraskowski

October 13, 1949 - December 23, 2019