Walter J. Niznik, 89, of Utica, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2012, with family by his side. He was born on February 11, 1923 to the late Felix and Mary (Gacek) Niznik. He was raised and educated in Utica. Walter served in the US Army during WW II. On November 10, 1945, he married Shirley Theresa Keene, at St. Francis deSales Church, a blessed union of 66 years. Walter was a strong, hardworking man dedicated to family. He was employed by Horrocks-Ibboson, for many years and most recently as a supervisor by Martin Reel Co. in Mohawk for 29 years, retiring in 1992. Walter was a man of great wisdom, and loved to read. He enjoyed the simple things in life, such as being in his yard and feeding the wild birds, caring for his pets, and spending time with family and friends. Walter was a communicant of Blessed Sacrament Church for many years, and most recently Our Lady of Lourdes Church. He was a member of the American Legion Post #1113, Skiba Post, Whitestown Veterans, and VFW Post #7393 of New York Mills. Walter was a devoted husband, loving and supportive father, and proud grandfather. He is survived by his beloved wife, Shirley; his sons, Thomas and Charles, of Utica; his daughters, Cynthia Benoit, and her husband, David, of Deerfield, and Diane and Shawn Comer, of Skaneateles, NY; 11 grandchildren, Thomas and Joshua Niznik, Carrie Jones, Christopher Roberts, Beth Anne Dye, Sarah Waskiewicz, Amanda and William Benoit, and Jack, Rory, and Caitlin Comer; and 10 great-grandchildren. He also leaves brothers, Stanley, of Gloverville, NY, and Chester and Matthew, of Utica; a sister, Jenny Biernat, of Utica; and a sister-in-law, Patricia Gray; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his parents, Felix and Mary; brothers, John, Joseph, and Stephen; and sisters, Sadie Haligowski, and Ann Bowers. Relatives and friends are invited to call Thursday (today), April 12, 2012 from 4-7 pm at the funeral home. Arrangements have been entrusted to Bentz & Amodio Funeral Service, Inc, 470 French Rd, Utica/New Hartford. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, April 13, 2012 at 10 am at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Utica. Interment will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Whitesboro. The family wishes to thank Dr. Mark Smith, and the staff of Faxton-St Luke's Healthcare Center CCU, especially Deanna, for their compassionate care of Walter.