Obituary of Walter Zemlanicky

“When I get to heaven, I’d like to announce a Yankees game with Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Joe       DiMaggio.”

             - Bob Sheppard

Walter Zemlanicky, 76, of Oak Ridge, formerly Denville, passed away peacefully at his home on April 10 th following a brave bout with illness.

Born in Salzburg, Austria to the late Feodor and Lidia (nee Borabosch) Walter moved to the United States as a baby. He grew up in Newark and Hillside, where he developed a strong work ethic and a deep love for  family. He later earned his BS in computer science from Kean College and devoted his career to providing a good life for his loved ones.

Walter, known affectionately as “Wally,” was the kind of person who was always ready to lend a hand. A devoted friend, father, brother and neighbor, his presence was a constant comfort to those who knew him.

A proud and lifelong New York Yankees fan, Wally was rarely seen without his iconic Yankees cap or jacket. His loyalty to his team was only matched by the love he had for his family. Above all, Wally cherished his role as “Poppa” and “Grandpa Z” to his seven grandchildren. Time spent with them brought him immense joy.

He was predeceased just last month by his beloved wife, Audrey L. Gorlich, with whom he shared a lifetime of love and partnership. He is survived by his children; Walter and his wife Patricia, Brian and his wife Janelle, and Alycia Zemlanicky-Nigro and her husband Rich; his cherished lucky seven; Harper, Cade, Jack, George, Colin, Ava, and Jake; his siblings Freddy, Lidia and Tami and many dear friends and extended family members.

Walter’s kindness will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Visiting hours will be held on Sunday from 4 – 6 pm at the S. J. Priola Parsippany Funeral Service. At 7:30 pm a Panikhida will be held at St. Alexander Nevsky Russian Orthodox Cathedral, Howell NJ.  A Funeral Service will begin at 10:30 Monday, April 14 th at St. Alexander Nevsky. Burial will follow at St. Vladimir’s Russian Orthodox Cemetery, Jackson.

Donations in his name may be made to the good work of The Yankees Universe Fund for Pediatric Cancer Research. This fund benefits the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s Pediatric Department and supports life-saving cancer research and care for children. The Yankees actively promote and support this initiative, and it’s closely aligned with both children’s causes and the team’s community work.