Walter Michael Pylypiw, 68, of Swansboro, N.C., passed away Thursday, January 12,2023 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center with his family by his side. He was born August 27,1954 in Newark, NJ at the late Walter and Alice Bilobram Pylypiw.
A Funeral Mass will be held Monday, January 16,2023 at 11:00 AM at St. Mildred Catholic Church with Rev. Dave Miller officiating. The family will receive friends Sunday from 4-6 PM at Jones Funeral Home, Swansboro Chapel.
Mr. Pylypiw faithfully served his country in the United States Marine Corps and attained the rank of Gunnery Sergeant. He was also a proud Citadel Alumni, Class of 1976. He was an enthusiastic gardener and was very excited about his newly refurbished greenhouse. Walter had a strong connection to his Ukrainian heritage and enjoyed sharing this culture with others. Walter loved animals and would go out of his way to help animals in need. He adored his family and cherished time spent with them. He looked forward to all interaction with his grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Debra Small Pylypiw of the home; daughters, Adrianne Klosiewski (Chad) of Denver, CO and Alexis Hampton (Joseph) of Raleigh; son, Nicholas Pylypiw (Virginia) of Raleigh; grandchildren, Mykaela Pylypiw, Brody Hampton, Corbin Klosiewski, and Maksym Klosiewski; brothers, Greg Pylypiw of Arizona and Joseph Pylypiw of Wilmington; and sisters, Mary Stearns of Henderson and Cathy Campbell of Bethel.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to your local animal shelter or to Razom for Ukraine at razomforukraine.org