We note with great sadness the passing of the Polish Arts Club 2016 Honoree, Walter J. Kramarz.

     Walter J. Kramarz, 84, of Yardville, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 25, 2016 at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Hamilton. Born in Trenton, NJ, he was a lifetime resident of Mercer County and is an alumnus of Columbus School, St. Joseph's School, Trenton Catholic Boy's High School, Trenton Jr. College, Trenton State College, Rutgers University Graduate School and the Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland.

     Walt was a Korean Conflict Veteran serving as a Hospital Corpsman in the US Navy. He was a member of the American Legion North Trenton Post 458, Holy Cross Catholic War Veterans Post 417 and Polish American War Veterans Post 81. He was President Emeritus and National Director of the Polish American Congress, Trenton S. Jersey Division. Walt was a member and past president of the Trenton Polish American Democratic Club, Trenton Polish Business and Professional Club, Polish Arts Club of Trenton and a Division Member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Msgr. Crean Division #1. Walt was a member of the Lawrence Township Police Dept. and substitute teacher in the Trenton Public Schools. He was a Compensatory Teacher in the Pemberton Twp. Schools, Browns Mills, NJ for over 28 years. He served on the NJ Educational Advisory Committee on Block Grants under Governors Kean and Florio. He also served on the Mercer County Community College Bilingual Advisory Commission. Upon retirement Walt taught English at the Center of European Languages in Czestochowa, Poland and as a Senior Lecturer at the Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Poland. He was an active volunteer in many organizations including Scoutmaster at Holy Cross and basketball coach at the Catholic War Veterans and Newcomb School in Pemberton. Walter was the Trenton Editor of the Polish American World Newspaper in New York. He was elected Grand Marshal of the Trenton Div. of the General Pulaski Parade in New York City. Walt was a recipient of Resolutions for dedicated service leadership from the NJ Senate and General Assembly. He was recognized by the Diocese of Trenton for his efforts as Executive Coordinator of the Diocesan Drive for clothing and shoes for Poland. He received honors from many organizations including The Polish American World, the Trenton Polish American Democratic Club, the Polish Arts Club of Trenton, The NJ Polish American Republican Caucus and the Trenton Polish Business and Professional Men's Club. He was greatly honored to be selected to accompany Governor Kean to Rome for a private audience with Pope John Paul II. Walt enjoyed socializing with his fellow Veterans at VFW Post 491, and he especially looked forward to joining his friends with the Vietnam Combat Veterans Coalition for the luncheons and pizza outings at American Legion Post 458 and Larry's Corner Tavern.

     Son of the late Walter and Grace Marion Kramarz, his aunt Sr. Mary Virgine (Helen Marion), husband of the late Barbara Mydlowski; he is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law Walter Kramarz, III and his wife Lisa, John Kramarz and his wife Karen; and his granddaughters Katie Ann and Kellie Ann Kramarz; as well as his sister-in-law, Antoinette Mydlowski of Trenton; several nieces, a nephew, and many grandnieces, grandnephews, and cousins.

     The funeral will begin on Thursday, January 5, 2017 at 9AM at Poulson & Van Hise Funeral Directors, 650 Lawrence Road, Lawrenceville NJ 08648. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10AM at St. Hedwig Church, 872 Brunswick Ave, Trenton, NJ 08638 Interment will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, Hamilton, NJ. Relatives and friends can call on Wednesday evening from 7-9PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, tax deductible memorial donations can be made to the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society online at https://donate.nmcrs/org/page/contribute/donate2015 To send a condolence to the family or for directions, please visit www.poulsonvanhise.com.

     The Polish Arts Club extends our deepest sympathy to Walter's family.  We will miss Walter and his dedication to Polonia and the community.