Walter “Wudge” Kroskie, 92, of Arnold City, passed away on March 12, 2024. “Wudge” was born in Arnold City, one of six children, to Della Gondusky and Walter “Whitey” Kroskie. A lifelong resident of Belle Vernon, he retired from the Monessen Plant of Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel and was a member of the Former Holy Spirit RC Church, Fayette City. Pap was well known for his love of music and entertaining others. Over the years he orchestrated three bands: Stage Coach Wudge, Wudge and Company, and Wudge and Son. In his over 70 years of playing music, he was well known in the tri-state area and beyond. On different occasions he played for charitable benefits, weddings, reunions, and any opportunity that presented itself. It was not uncommon for Wudge to grab his guitar and mandolin and go, playing on airplanes heading to Steelers games, or the Golden Sands in Ocean City, or in English pubs. Pap also had a love for cooking, gardening and baking his famous cookies using his mother’s recipes. He could be found tending his garden and in his meat house smoking kielbasa and making his homemade wine. His favorite past times were spending time on the golf course and playing cards with his buddies at the many clubs he was a member of. Our fondest memories were spent at the kitchen table for Sunday soup. No matter how many people showed up, the soup pot was never empty. These family traditions will carry on through his legacy. Wudge was blessed with seven children who are left to cherish his memory, Toni Ann Zanderdelli, Walt Kroskie, Marsha Black, Jim Kroskie, Kim (Dave) Palfrey and Mike (Malinda) Kroskie; son-in-law, Rueben Fear; two sisters, Betty Chorba and Adeline Lupori; 13 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and his beloved dog, Sampson. Wudge was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Stanley “Scrubby”, Edward and Joseph Kroskie; his eldest daughter, Linda Fear; granddaughter, Barbie Kroskie; and son-in-law, Mike Black. Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at PARZYNSKI FUNERAL HOME & CREMATIONS LLC, family owned and operated, 626 Broad Ave., Belle Vernon, 724-929-6183. Memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at Parzynski Funeral Home & Cremations LLC with the Pastor Earl J. Rosenbalm of First Baptist Church of Belle Vernon officiating. Condolences accepted at the funeral home’s website, www.parzynskifuneralhome.com.
