Obituary of Walter L. Kissam

COLTON—Graveside services for 87 year old Walter L. Kissam Sr., a resident of the St. Regis Nursing Home in Massena and formerly of Colton, will be held in the spring at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Colton. In keeping with his wishes, there will be no calling hours. Mr. Kissam passed away Saturday afternoon at the St. Regis Nursing Home. Mr. Kissam is survived by three sons, Walter Jr. and Carol, Colton; Todd and Cathy, Afton, VA; John and Debbie, LaGrangeville, NY; one daughter, Kathy Cohen (Adam), Fishkill; seven grandchildren; one foster grandchild; a sister, Julie Wilson, Poughkeepsie and many nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by one infant son, George Frederick in 1952 and his beloved wife Lillian in 2002. Born in White Plains, NY on April 9, 1924 to the late H. LeRoy and Marguerite Carpenter Kissam, he attended schools in Mt. Vernon. He left high school to work in Harrisburg, PA until he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1942. He was a flight engineer and top turret machine gunner on B-24 Liberator bombers with the 15th Air Force, 98th Bomb Group, The Pyramidiers. Completing his missions, he was honorably discharged in 1945. Mr. Kissam completed his high school at A.B. Davis High School in Mt. Vernon in 1947 and started work. He married Lillian F. Sassano on April 10, 1947 at St. Francis Chapel in Mt. Vernon, NY. Mr. Kissam was a licensed land surveyor and draftsman, working for Charles H. Sells in Pleasantville, NY until his retirement. He moved to Colton where he took care of his wife for a number of years until her passing. Walter took pleasure in living in the area and spending time with family, neighbors and friends. The family would deeply appreciate donations to the St. Regis Nursing Home, 89 Grove Street, Massena, NY 13662. At St. Regis, he was treated with sincere love and care these last eight months by a truly amazing staff or you may donate to a charity of your choice. Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.buckfuneralhome.com . The Buck Funeral Home in Colton is serving the family of Walter L. Kissam Sr.