Lance T. Walter

Lance Thomas Walter 83, formerly of Syracuse, NY, passed on November 3, 2024. Our beloved brother, uncle, cousin, and friend will be remembered forever for his selfless and kind demeanor to all.

  Lance was predeceased by his parents, George Walter Sr and Charlotte (Jerry-Stepfather) Corona, brothers Jerry Corona Jr. and Robert Corona. Surviving Lance are four siblings, George Walter Jr (Janet), Katherine Corona, Judy Corona, Thomas Corona (Andrea), and Sister-in law Barbara Corona. He was blessed with numerous nieces and nephews.

  Lance was born in Oneida, NY. He was a graduate of Oneida High School and served in the US Army, stationed in Korea. Lance was a talented artist. After serving in the military, he was employed for many years as a (screen) printer at Syracuse Signage. He then went to work at City Printing on Salina Street in Syracuse. It was there that Lance started a long and wonderful friendship with owners Dan and Joanne Hodgins.

  Lance rented a studio (aka The Shop), down the street from City Printing. For over two decades, he hand-drew the weekly window signs for local Byrne Dairy stores. He would also design and print shirts and posters for clients, family and friends. 

  The Shop became a refuge for many youths in the area. Teenagers from underprivileged or broken homes often found solace there. Hanging out, having pizza, learning about screen printing and even bowling in The Shop.

  Upon the news of Lance’s passing, our family was contacted by numerous friends of Lance’s from as far away as California. Each stated how positively impactful Lance had been in their lives, and that Lance helped them through tough times, keeping them out of trouble and often feeding them when there was no food at home. Many of them had stayed in touch with Lance over the years, writing letters back and forth, and having lunch with him when they would visit Syracuse. He was a mentor and a guiding light to many of these people.

  Later in life he became involved in the Auburn Public Theater. He created (and donated) hundreds of signs promoting upcoming acts or a salute to past performances at the Theater. With the friendship and support from the theater owners Carey and Angela, Lance found a new art, Stand Up. Each week you could find Lance up on the stage at the theater reciting his original humorous poetry.

  Services will be private. Donations in Lance’s memory may be made to your local food pantry.

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