Walter Kroskie

Walter “Wudge” Kroskie, 92, of Arnold City, passed away on March 12, 2024. “Wudge” was born in Arnold City, one of six children to Della Gondusky and Walter “Whitey” Kroskie. A lifelong resident of Belle Vernon he retired from the Monessen Plant of Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel and was a member of the Former Holy Spirit RC Church, Fayette City. 

Pap was well known for his love of music and entertaining others. Over the years he orchestrated three bands: Stage Coach Wudge, Wudge and Company, and Wudge and Son. In his over 70 years of playing music, he was well known in the tri-state area and beyond. On different occasions he played for charitable benefits, weddings, reunions, and any opportunity that presented itself. It was not uncommon for Wudge to grab his guitar and mandolin and go, playing on airplanes heading to Steeler games, or the Golden Sands in Ocean City, or in English pubs. 

Pap also had a love for cooking, gardening, and baking his famous cookies using his mother’s recipes. He could be found tending his garden and in his meathouse smoking kielbasa and making his homemade wine. His favorite past times were spending time on the golf course and playing cards with his buddies at the many clubs he was a member of. Our fondest memories were spent at the kitchen table for Sunday soup. No matter how many people showed up the soup pot was never empty. These family traditions will carry on through his legacy. 

Wudge was blessed with seven children who are left to cherish his memory; Toni Ann Zanderdelli, Walt Kroskie, Marsha Black, Jim Kroskie, Kim (Dave) Palfrey, and Mike (Malinda) Kroskie, son-in-law Rueben Fear, two sisters Betty Chorba and Adeline Lupori, 13 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, 1 great, great grandchild, and his beloved dog Sampson. Wudge was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Stanley “Scrubby”, Edward, and Joseph Kroskie, his eldest daughter Linda Fear, granddaughter Barbie Kroskie, and son-in-law Mike Black. 

Visitation will be held Friday from 2-4 & 6-8 PM at the Parzynski Funeral Home & Cremations LLC, Family Owned and Operated, 626 Broad Avenue, Belle Vernon 724-929-6183.   Memorial service will be held Saturday at the Parzynski Funeral Home & Cremations LLC at 10:00 AM with the Pastor Earl J. Rosenbalm of First Baptist Church of Belle Vernon officiating.