L. Walter Sumansky

November 22, 1927 - January 12, 2020

L. Walter Sumansky, 92, formerly of South Park, passed away Sunday, January 12, 2020, in Santa Barbara, CA where he had lived for the past 6 years with his daughter. Born on November 22, 1927 in Koterbachy, Czechoslovakia, Walt was the son of John and Mary (Pasek) Sumansky. He moved to New Castle, PA in 1936, and graduated from New Castle High School in 1946. After spending two years in the Navy posted in Chicago, he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in chemistry from the University of Pittsburgh in 1952. He spent several years working at Koppers before joining United States Steel at their Clairton Works. While at US Steel, he gained two patents related to the production of coke, the precursor for steel production, and earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Management from the Carnegie Institute of Technology. He retired from US Steel in 1985 after 28 years and joined NUS Corporation until 1995 when he fully retired. Walt served on the School Board for South Park Township and was an active member of both the Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh and Society of Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh for whom he served as Chair in 2005-06. He was also an active member of Saint Valentine’s Parish in Bethel Park until 2014 when he moved to Santa Barbara to be closer to his daughter. While in Santa Barbara, Walt was a member of San Roque Parish, and enjoyed gardening, cooking, and the opera. Surviving is his daughter Linda Sumansky of Santa Barbara, CA. He is also survived by his sister Rita (Tony deceased) DiCola, and three brothers Tom (Sandy) Sumansky, John Sumansky, and Larry (Irma) Sumansky. He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Irene (Zmuda) Sumansky, who passed away January 5, 2010. Final arrangements were entrusted to Welch-Ryce-Haider in Santa Barbara, CA and Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home in Pittsburgh, PA. Viewing will be held at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home onTuesday, January 21, 2020, from 2:00-4:00pm and 6:00-8:00pm. A catholic mass will be held at Saint Valentine Catholic Church in Bethel Park followed by burial at the Queen of Heaven Cemetery onWednesday, January 22,2020. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Walt’s name to Little Sisters of the Poor, 1028 Benton Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212-1607 or Visiting Nurse and Hospice Care, 512 E. Gutierrez Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93103.