Walter E. Florio

Walter E. Florio

Family Man, Beacon of Strength, and Larger-than-Life Personality -

Walter E. Florio, age 74, of Mechanicsburg, passed away on Sunday, January 3, 2021. Walter, also known as “Walt” and “Wally,” was born on September 20, 1946, in Naples, Italy and spent most of his youth in Brooklyn, New York. He is preceded in death by his parents, Enrico Florio and Linda (Giglio) Florio, as well his sisters Rita Famular and Euna Monaco.

Walter’s survivors include his wife of 50 years, Maria Laura (Cavallo) Florio; his three children: Rick Florio (and wife Kelly Florio) of Westfield, New Jersey; John Florio of New York, New York; and Laura Florio-Ellis (and husband Jeff Ellis) of Pennington, New Jersey; his five grandchildren: David Ellis, Johnny Ellis, Andrew Ellis, Jake Florio, and Bella Florio; his brother, Nick Florio of Illinois; his beloved in-laws; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Walter proudly and honorably served in the U.S. Air Force domestically and overseas from 1964 to 1968. After his military service, Walter became a licensed x-ray technician and eventually earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Radiologic Technology from Sam Houston State University in Texas. Walter subsequently worked for Eastman Kodak Company, retiring after almost 30 years as a consultant and sales representative who helped health care institutions meet their medical imaging needs.

Walter had a larger-than-life personality and was renowned for his jokes, his generosity, and unique ability to connect personally with anyone who met him. He was an adoring and devoted husband to Maria, a loving father to his children, and doting “Poppy” to his grandchildren. Walter treated and loved his in-laws as if they were related by blood. He often offered help discreetly to others in need and believed strongly in the importance of education.

Walter was a well-known and well-liked member of the West Shore YMCA. He enjoyed coaching his children’s athletic teams, had an encyclopedic knowledge of the National Hockey League, and was a passionate supporter of the New York Rangers since his childhood. Walter and Maria relished overseas travel, especially in their native country of Italy.

The Florio family will plan a celebration of Walter’s life when conditions permit. Cremation was private.

The Florio family welcomes donations of any amount to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, an institution that Walter generously supported over many decades. A memorial fund in Walter’s name is accessible at this link: http://GiftFunds.StJude.org/Walter_E_Florio .

Walter’s family has entrusted his care to Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Walter’s full obituary, view his memorial video and portrait, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign his official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.