WILLIAMSBURG – Walter P. Diesing, 86, of Williamsburg, VA, formerly of Poughkeepsie, NY, passed away on Sunday, July 03, 2016. Walter is survived by his wife of 65 years, Dorothy J. (Cochran); brother Roger (Joan) of Wilmington, NC; four children (the 4 Js), Jeff (Rhonda) of Colorado Springs, CO, Jim (Liz) of Portland, OR, Jessica of Southampton, NY, Jay (Jeanne) of Southampton, NY; grandchildren, Duane, Kendra, Connor, Kathleen, Emma, Kyle, Megan; four great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Walter’s childhood included Boy Scouts, baseball, and working at his father’s store; Diesing Supply CO INC. After graduation from Poughkeepsie High School in 1947, he joined his father at the family’s expanding business. From 1951-1953, he served his country as a US Army gunnery school instructor. While on leave from Ft. Benning, GA, he married the love of his life, Dorothy. Following his honorable discharge, he settled back in Poughkeepsie where he and brother Roger built the family business into the Hudson Valley’s largest auto parts store. Although he worked at the “store” from 7 AM Monday to noon Saturday, Walter found time to follow his passion; flying. During a 25 year period, he completed commercial, instructor, multi-engine ratings, and he accumulated over 4000 flight hours. He became co-founder and operations officer of Sky Acres Airport in Millbrook, NY. After retiring from Diesing Supply in 1988, Walter and Dorothy moved to Seabrook Island, SC. They hosted many wonderful parties for new and old friends alike. As our family grew, Seabrook became a wonderful family vacation destination. In 2007, Dorothy and Walter moved to Windsor Meade in Williamsburg until his passing. Walter was devoted to Christ. As a Deacon/Elder at Poughkeepsie’s Dutch Reformed Church, to his volunteer work at Williamsburg’s Bruton Parish, Walter rarely missed a Sunday service. Well past retirement, he supported Habitat for Humanity and he helped build many homes on the rural islands near Seabrook. Walter was a former member of the Red Oaks Mill Fire Department, New York State Wholesalers Assoc., Poughkeepsie Chamber of Commerce, AOPA, and numerous Exchange clubs. Living with advanced Alzheimer’s, Walter inspired others to serve. Whether pushing a fellow resident’s wheelchair, or helping the Windsor Meade staff, he never stopped giving back. He was truly loved by his caregivers. As a family man, Walter will always be remembered for his selfless love. From annual spring break vacations to Clearwater, FL, to summer trips to Montauk, Long Island, he meticulously planned and piloted us there. The family would like to thank the entire Windsor Meade staff for their love and care during Walter’s two year stay at the health center. Dorothy would also like to thank the Windsor Meade community for their love and friendship. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 10, 2PM, at Windsor Meade Celebration Hall, 3900 Windsor Meade Hall Drive, Williamsburg, VA 23188. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association National Capital Chapter, 8180 Greensboro Drive, Suite 400, McLean, VA 22102. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.nelsencares.com.
