Walter “Woch” Cieply, 90, of Monessen, died Thursday, Nov. 14, 2019, in The Residence at Hilltop. He was born on Aug. 31, 1929, in Monessen, the son of the late Teofil and Anna Cieply. He was a member of St. Nicholas Ukrainian Orthodox Church where he was a member of the choir. He was also a member of Monessen Elks and its golf league, the Ukrainian Club, and was a graduate of Monessen High School Class of 1947. Walt was a retired craneman from Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Corp. where they called him “Cowboy.” Walter was an outstanding baseball player and was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates having played in Rocky Mountain, N.C. His career was shortened due to Walt joining the United States Air National Guard during the Korean War. Walter loved the game of baseball and shared many stories from his playing experiences through the years. His family never tired of hearing his favorite baseball memory which occurred during a game at the Charleroi Legion Field. Walter was the “elder statesman” of the team playing well into his 30s. At his first at-bat that day, a fan yelled, “Go home, Cieply! You’re over the hill!” BAM! A home run! The next time he stepped up to the plate, she taunted, “Cieply, that was luck! Go home, you old timer!” BAM! Another home run! After hitting an impressive THIRD home run, he smiled broadly at the woman as he rounded third base. Reluctantly, she acknowledged that he belonged on the field. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Loretta Fritz Cieply; three brothers, George, Joseph and John Cieply; and by two sisters, Mary Malezija and Anna Andryc. He is survived by one son, Walter (Beverly) Cieply of Rostraver Township; two daughters, Karen (George) Guseman of Monongahela, Betty Ann “Sissy” (Dennis) Jochmann of Moon Township; six grandsons, Derek (Steph Bonaventure) Jochmann, Ben (Shawna) Cieply, Dan (Ashley) Cieply, Aaron (Jessi) Cieply, Ethan (Rachel) Cieply, George (Rae-Lyn) Guseman; three granddaughters, Brittany (Brian Coffee) Jochmann, Julianne (Owen) Evans, Robin (Jo Jo Heath) Guseman; nine great-grandchildren and one on the way. Friends will be received from noon until 1 p.m. Monday at DALFONSO-BILLICK FUNERAL HOME INC. AND CREMATION SERVICES, 441 Reed Ave., Monessen. Services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday at the funeral home with the Rev. Tim Burgan officiating. Interment will follow in Grandview Cemetery, Monessen. The Family would like to thank Amedysis Hospice and especially, Joe, who went above and beyond for caring for our father throughout the last three years. In addition, the family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at The Residence at Hilltop. Our dad will always be remembered for being the life of every family function, for his loud comical personality, and his endless love for his family. Condolences accepted for the family at www.dalfonso-billick.com.
