Harold Wittstruck Obituary

Harold Richard Wittstruck

Jan 24, 1932 - Oct 9, 2024

Norwalk

Harold Richard Wittstruck, 92, of Norwalk, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024, peacefully at home surrounded by his family.

He was born Jan. 24, 1932, in Lancaster County, Nebraska, the son of Ralph and Bessie (Homier) Wittstruck, and brother to Betty, Helen, Darlene, and Jimmie. While content to stay in his native Nebraska, Harold left as a young man to fulfill his patriotic duty of military service in 1950. Serving four years aboard the U.S.S. Palau during the Korean Conflict, he received an honorable discharge as a Boatswain's Mate, Second Class, having earned Navy Good Conduct Medal and Republic of Korea Ambassador for Peace Medal, among other awards. During his discharge from the Navy, Harold met the person who would accompany him in all manners of life, Angelina DePace. Harold and Angie married Nov. 25, 1954, and remained together for the rest of his life. Their love for each other never waned and the two would be virtually inseparable for their entire 69-year marriage.

To be with "Angie," Harold moved to New York City and served in the Safety and Security Service of the United Nations, based out of the organization's headquarters in Manhattan. Between 1959 and 1986, he performed his duties with distinction, eventually reaching the rank of Captain in the Service, something which he held in high regard. During his time, he protected dignitaries from all over the world, regardless of nationality or viewpoint, ranging from six U.S. Presidents and Pope Paul VI, to Fidel Castro and Muammar Gaddafi. In one notable incident, an armed Cuban nationalist attempted to attack the General Assembly room of the United Nations and was foiled when Harold tackled him off of a second story balcony, leading to personal injury on Harold's part. Additionally, Harold's service to others extended into his private life. For many years, he served as an Institutional Representative for the Boy Scouts of America in Brooklyn, New York. He also was a member of Knights of Columbus Council 626, where he was a Fourth Degree member until his death.

Together, Harold and Angie would raise three children, Chris, Richard, and Kim. Together, they achieved the ultimate success as parents. All three of their children growing up to become highly educated, successful, and most importantly, parents and grandparents themselves. Harold always loved and supported them in their endeavors and he worked hard to provide for his children through thick and thin, and sickness and health. In return, they loved him with all their hearts, just as he did them.

In retirement, Harold became a full-time grandfather, caring and supporting each of his grandchildren, whom he adored. Angelica, daughter of Chris, gave him his first great-grandchildren, Zara and Stella in 2019. His adored granddaughter, Faith Marie, daughter of Richard, is currently attending nursing school at College of New Jersey. Later in life, Harold and Angie moved, first to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and later to Norwalk to be closer to their daughter, Kim, grandsons, Joseph, Anthony, David, and Jonathan, great-grandson, Adam, and his newest great-granddaughter, Julia, born in September, 2024. Unfortunately, he did not live to see the birth of his most recent great-grandson, who will be born in two months' time.

After a full and rewarding life, Harold died at the age of 92 at his home in Norwalk. Until the day he left earth to be with his Creator, he was of sound mind. However, his body could no longer keep up the good fight.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents; and sisters, Ralph Wittstruck, Bessie (Homier) Wittstruck, Betty (Wittstruck) Schmutte, Helen (Wittstruck) Maidens, and Darlene (Wittstruck) Walvoord.

He is survived by his wife, Angelina; brother, Jimmie (Deanna); daughter, Kim Zadeh and son-in-law, Barry Zadeh; sons, Chris and Richard and daughters-in-law, Barbara and Veronica Wittstruck; grandsons, Joseph, Anthony, David (Jillian), and Jonathan (Jaime) Zadeh; granddaughters, Angelica (Wittstruck) Nesheiwat and Faith Marie Wittstruck; great-grandson, Adam Zadeh; and great-granddaughters, Julia Zadeh and Stella and Zara Nesheiwat.

He loved each and every one of them and was loved by them in return.

The world was better with his presence and will be poorer with his absence.

"Fair Winds and Following Seas"

Visitation for family and friends will be 3-6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024, at Evans Funeral Home, 314 E. Main Street, Norwalk. Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 14, 2024, at St. Paul Catholic Church, 91 E. Main Street, Norwalk. Burial with military honors will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Norwalk.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Stein Hospice, 1200 Sycamore Line, Sandusky, Ohio, 44870.