Obituary: Rev. Walter C. Paplauskas Dies at 62

WATERBURY – Rev. Walter C. Paplauskas, 62, of Rockledge Drive, Waterbury, passed away on Friday, April 8, 2011 at Waterbury Hospital surrounded by his loved ones. He was the widower of Kelli Clapp.

Walter was born in Waterbury on March 1, 1949, a son of the late Joseph and Eleanor (Nardello) Paplauskas. He retired after many years from Connecticut Renaissance, Inc. where he was a drug and alcohol counselor and was a longtime advocate for Aids awareness. He was recognized with various awards and honors for his work with the Aids Foundation. There are thousands of people that are clean and alive today as a direct result of Walt P’s presence in their lives. A man who had nothing to share but his wisdom, experience, and hope of a different life for people who have walked our path. The clarity shines through the beauty of all those he touched, and in turn, every one they touch. You will be missed by all of us who love you Walt.

He leaves four sons, Jason Paplauskas of New Milford, Derek Paplauskas of Waterbury, Jeffrey Paplauskas of Naugatuck, and Justin Paplauskas of Oxford; three grandchildren, Noah and Emma Paplauskas, and Azayda; a sister, Kate Kanakis of Naugatuck; two nephews, Mark Paplauskas and Scott Yordon; a niece, Kelly Copeland; his beloved cat, Terra-Berra. He was predeceased by a daughter, Carrie Ann; and a sister Marcia Yordon.

A celebration of Walter’s life will take place on Wednesday, April 13 at the American Legion, 21 Cedar Street, Naugatuck between 12-8pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Walt P. Foundation, P.O. Box 1403, Naugatuck, CT 06770. Arrangements by the Naugatuck Valley Memorial/Fitzgerald Zembruski Funeral Home, 240 North Main Street, Naugatuck. To send an on-line condolence, please visit www.naugatuckvalleymemorial.com