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1946 - 2025
 Walter Charles “Walt” Salamacha of Milton WV passed away on Monday July 28, 2025, in the Hershel Woody Williams VA Medical Center, surrounded by his wife and other devoted family members. Born November 7, 1946, in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. He was the youngest child of the late Edward W. and Anna M. (Valdhans) Salamacha. In 1964, at the age of 17, he enlisted in the United State Air Force. He served in the Air Force for six years, including stints in Vietnam and Panama. Upon honorable discharge he continued his travels In Panama, Mexico and throughout the US in his Volkswagen bus. Ah, the 60’s. He began working for the USDA National Resource Soil Conservation Office in 1976 and retired in 2004. Walt was known for his kindness, helpfulness, knowledge, stories of adventure, and exuberant personality. Walt had many accomplishments in work and life in general, but his biggest win and pride was his sobriety for the last 20 years of his life. He is survived by his wife, Cheryl (Cyrus) Salamacha. He is also survived by his brother Edward (Elaine) Salamacha of Huntington Beach, California; mother-in-law Shirley Cyrus, brother-in-law Lee (Melissa) Cyrus and sister-in-law Dee (Chester) Henderson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother James Salamacha, sister Jean Kunkel and father-in-law William Cyrus. One of Walt’s most favorite roles in life was being an uncle. He bragged on the accomplishments of his nieces and nephews to all, nieces Lynda Stewart, Dr. Lara Salamacha, Marci Burkhart and nephews Michael Kunkel, Dale Salamacha, Daniel Salamacha, and the “niblings” Jessa (Dylan) Lowe and Nolan (Brinkley Gibson) Cyrus. He loved sharing his travel stories and knowledge with them. All their lives were greatly enriched by their time together. Walt was adamant during the last days of his illness that he wanted to pass at the VA hospital. He felt a strong connection to the staff who took such diligent care of him there. The family would like to thank the staff of “Woody’s Hospital” that provided him the best of care. Especially the nurses of 4th South who made great effort to allow him a peaceful passing. The “Honor Walk” will be ever remembered by his family. The family is also grateful to Dr. Eastone who was vigilant to stay ahead of Walt’s health needs, Dr. Cavnar of Markey Cancer Center in Lexington and Natalie Shuff RN with Centerwell Home health. Much appreciation to neighbor Penny Quintrell who “Hung out” with Walt when Cheryl needed to be away from home. Wallace Funeral Home, Milton is assisting the family with arrangements. A celebration of life will be held at Old Maple Ford farm on November 8th; Details of the celebration will be provided at a later date. For those of you who wish to honor Walt, please consider a donation to the local Fisher House at the Hershel Woody Williams VA Medical Center, Tristatefisherhouse.com, or the charity of your choice. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.timeformemory.com/wallace. |
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