1966

Today

Walter Petrashak

From the Akron Beacon Journal Feb. 3, 2007

ROOTSTOWN -- Walter R. Petrishak, 61, passed away February 1, 2007.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Elizabeth Petrishak and brother, Joseph. He is survived and will be deeply missed by his sister, Gloria (Kevin Walsh) and brother, Vic Petrishak of Rootstown.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Monday, February 5, 2007 at DONOVAN-BAGNOLI FUNERAL HOME, 339 SOUTHWEST AVE., TALLMADGE, with Rev. Dr. John Schluep officiating. Interment will be at Tallmadge Cemetery. Friends may call 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, at the funeral home.

September 2005

I see Denzil Boothe (Tallmadge Class of 1963) every month or so as he runs his own barbershop in Mogadore, Ohio. (I guess most people call him Denny Boothe and he is brother to Kenny Boothe, Tallmadge Class of 1968.) I questioned Denzil during my last two haircuts as to whether he knew Walter Petrashak. I informed Denzil that Walter was listed as deceased on the Class of 1966 web site. Not only does Denzil remember Walter Petrashak, as Denzil lived on that side of Tallmadge in the early sixties, but Denzil still cuts Walter Petrashak's hair on a regular basis!

I think it is safe to remove Walter from the "deceased" list. (Happily done.) Denzil made it a point to tell Walter he was listed as deceased on the Class of 1966 web site and that there was some mystery about his absence from class photos. Denzil related to me that Walter should have graduated with the Class of 1963 (or earlier) but that Walter quit school and entered military service. Denzil explained that Walter later completed his academic requirements for graduation through a GED test and subsequently was included on the list of 1966 Tallmadge graduates at that time. I guess this explains why Walter is remembered so vaguely by members of the Class of 1966 and is not included in any class photos.

Denzil also recalled that a brother of Walter Petrashak did die early in life and that this is probably why Walter is recalled as "deceased" on the Class of 66 web site. I am told that Walter worked for Goodyear for many years and he is now retired at age 60. Also, I was told that Walter never married and is living on some farm property in Portage County. I have not met Walter Petrashak, but I surmise that Walter does not have a computer or e-mail address, so I don't think you will be hearing directly from Walter. Perhaps a photo of Walter is available from a Tallmadge H.S. yearbook from the early sixties when he was an underclassman. The Tallmadge Branch of the Summit County Library has a limited number of Tallmadge High School yearbooks from that era and if I get a chance I'll check for a photo of Walter.

I assume the Tallmadge Branch of the Summit County Library would accept donations of Tallmadge High School yearbooks, if anyone is searching for a safe home for an old yearbook. The current limited collection at the library includes Tallmadge yearbooks from the late fifties and early sixties.

Request for Help John Colosetti
May 2005

When I was originally setting up this web site, there were a few class members that did not have their picture in the Senior yearbook. For those I was able to find their picture in the 64-65 yearbook. The exception was Walt Petrashak. I vaguely recall him around, but I never really knew him. This month I had received several updates on class members who had passed away, and it started me wondering about Walt. His name showed up in the index as a Senior, but there were no pictures. The same was true for the prior year. He didn't even get in the entire class picture. It seemed as though he was our class's "Man of Mystery".

So, I asked the question:
"The strangest thing by far is Walt Petrashak. He never had his picture taken in our Jr. or sr. yr. (not even in the class picture). I kind of remember him at the edges of the class, but I never had a class with him and alphabetically he would have never been in my homeroom. I wonder if anyone has the 63-64 yearbook and if there was a picture of him there?"

I started to receive emails back, there seems to still be differences in how he was recalled. What I decided to do was to put all the info I get, and hopefully more stories will come in. Eventually I hope will get the most accurate story possible.

Remembrance by Linda (Leone) Papoi
May 2005

Oddly enough, he used to live down the street from us in high school and was a loner. I never saw him with anyone and their family was very poor. If memory serves me (and God knows if it does), Dick Bratt remembers his death from his active duty with the Tallmadge Police Dept. Again memory, I believe he was shot but don't remember the details. I'll check the yearbook but chances are there will be nothing there.

Remembrance by Paul Schweigert
May 2005

Not in the '64 book either!

Remembrance by Tim Aurand
May 2005

I really don't remember much about him; only that he lived on my bus route (Southeast Ave.).

I do remember that his closest friends were John Beall (class of 63) and Richard Fike (class of 65, but didn't graduate), if that helps any.

Walt was older and should've graduated in 1964 or 65 but ended up in our class. He did play football and I can't remember what year but you might find him in a football team picture for one of those years.

I asked my mom about Walt P. She said that the last she knew he had purchased a farm in Randolf or that area and was married. She remembered hearing that he was doing well.

(J.C. The mystery continues - wouldn't it be great to get him off the "Remembrance" list!?)

Walt is no longer with us. He can't update him own page so if you have other memories or recollections about him that you wish to share, please email them to