Walter Ostack
April 08, 1944 - September 20, 2025
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Walter Ostack
Walter Ostack, 81, passed away on September 20, 2025, with his daughter, Sharon, at his side. He was born in Washington, D.C. and lived his young life in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area. He graduated as the valedictorian from Etna High School in 1962 and went on to attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Penn Tech. He joined IBM in Cleveland, Ohio, where he worked for 13 years before transferring to Raleigh.
Walt was introduced to his new best friend and future wife, Randi, in 1976 on a blind date arranged by her sister. This was the beginning of a long and loving relationship that remained for fifty years. Walt and Randi first married in Mentor, Ohio in 1978 and then married at St. John Vianney Catholic Church the following year.
He took pleasure being able to volunteer at organizations using his many skills. Walt worked as a mechanic repairing donated cars for Wheels for Hope. He also worked with his brother-in-law, Bruno, in restoring computers to be donated to students at the Governor Morehead School for the Blind. Walt served many years with the Street Samaritans, and he always looked forward to volunteering at the Pro-Life booth at the NC State Fair, and participating in numerous Pro-Life activities for many years.
Randi often referred to Walt as her “Renaissance Man,” as he was a man of many talents. He could repair, rebuild, replace, mend and patch any motor, engine, electronic devices, automobile parts, appliance, faucet, toilet and numerous other nonworking items around the house. He still used a fifty year old lawn mower that had been given to him decades ago that he managed to keep running to this day. If he didn’t fix an item, it was only because he didn’t have the time to do so. One of his favorite t-shirts was printed with the words, “Don’t worry, I can fix it.”
Walt had an obsession for planes, trains, automobiles and anything with powerful engines. He had a passion for Corvettes, of which he had purchased many over the years starting with his 1962 model. He worked on Silvia, his most recent Corvette, for over 3 years rebuilding the car from the frame upward. He was grateful that it had to be towed only three times! In addition, he had a fondness for airplanes. He traveled to northern Virginia one summer to experience flying in a WW II era T-6 Texan trainer aircraft. He drove his first locomotive and learned all about train whistle codes at the Transportation Museum in Spencer, NC. Walt loved the thrill of drag racing his Chevy TBSS at the tracks with his racing buddies Jim and Fred. Walt drove with Randi riding behind him on his motorcycle from Raleigh to New Mexico for a bike rally, which ended up being a sore ride after so many days in the saddle! They also rode to Niagara Falls on the bike and ended up being caught riding home through stormy hurricane warnings.
In addition, he was an avid scuba diver. He and Randi spent many hours under water in the Southern Atlantic, Caribbean, Pacific Ocean, and Radio Island at Morehead City, NC.
Walt was a devout parishioner of St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church. He sang in the choir for 20 years, taught Adult Bible and Vacation Bible School classes, and always enjoyed serving other parishioners at the yearly St. Luke picnic. However, he was most happy to have been able to bring six non-Christians to the glory of our Lord through his patient and loving Catholic catechesis on a personal level.
Walt and Randi cherished many wonderful and faithful St. Luke friends with whom they enjoyed spending time with and sharing in the Knights’ Pancake Breakfasts.
Walt is survived by his wife, Randi; his daughter, Sharon Craddock and husband, Andrew; his son, Michael Ostack and wife, Sandra; brother, Edward; nine grandchildren; and three great- grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Pauline Ostack of Indianola, PA. and his much-loved nephew, Christopher Ostack of Indianapolis, IN
Walt’s favorite quote written by Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina: “Pray, Hope, and don’t Worry.” Walt will be missed.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church, 12333 Bayleaf Church Road, Raleigh, NC 27614, at 12:00 pm.
Those wishing to honor Walt can donate in his memory to Divine Mercy Radio or North Carolina Reading Service
Services
Mass
12:00 PM
Columbarium Service
01:00 PM
Photos & Video
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Condolences
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November 08, 2025
Walt was a kind and gentle man, he had a wonderful smile and loveable personality. I'm so happy I got to know him. Thanks Walt for sharing your trains with me that Lionel Virginian diesel is still running.
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October 06, 2025
Very good friends are hard to find, and harder to lose. Walt helped others in so many ways, mostly unknown to anyone other than the person he helped. As a humble Disciple of Christ, he inspired others to be better at everything, especially their Faith. There weren't many things he could not help you fix or solve, and he would help you do it, not just offer advice. Rest in The Peace that has been promised to you. Your friends, Joe and Mary Huray
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October 02, 2025
Walt was such an inspiration to me in his faith, positivity, wit and ever-present love of his best friend and loving wife Randi. No matter what may be going on in his own life he always had a prayer to share for me and a smile as wide as the ocean. He shared his gift of music with our church choir and convinced Randi to join as well. Now she is my best soprano buddy and I'll be forever grateful that she joined us. I will miss you my friend but I truly know where your spirit rests and I'm grateful to know you are singing with His choir of angels now. I hold you in my heart until we meet again and I will be ever thankful that I am blessed to have known you. Thank you for blessing me with Randi, too.
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October 01, 2025
From Nya Payton to Walt, I only meet Walt once, him and his wife invited me and my mother to his house one time, and afterwards we all went out to eat at the brigs restaurant. His light, love and positivity radiated the whole room. He offered me so much wisdom, new ideas, and hope in one day, and even in my darkest time, he reassured me that everything would be alright. His calmness and assurance made me feel like I could achieve anything, and I can proudly say that he was one of the most kindest, sweetest and generous men I've ever had the pleasure of knowing, so to the man I've only meet once, who also left an amazing impression on me, may you rest easy now up there with our heavenly father, and may the light from your spirit continue to shine in my heart and spirit.
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October 01, 2025
There are not enough words for how I felt about Walt..Me and my daughter was so blessed to find there love and friendship this late in our lives..But have been so blessed to have found him and Randi. I loved talks with him and his sense of humor. And his love for the Steelers..😁😁. I will always hold my memories of him close to my heart. Chasidy 💙💙💙
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September 30, 2025
Walter was a good man. I am proud to have chance to say goodbye to his earthly life.
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September 30, 2025
My Dad Fred and Walt were friends. They met at TRW where my Dad worked and Walt worked for IBM supporting them. They were car guys and stayed friends for so many decades. I got to know Walt as we would meet up with him to go to car shows/swap meets - we did this dozens of times over the decades. With him in NC and us in OH we would have to plan it out, but we always had fun, particularly haggling with vendors at the swap meets, and telling stories. Walt and I had several conversations about his troubleshooting things on his current Corvette since I had experience working on them. Also helped him get a Steiner tractor for his hilly yard back in the late 90's. So many memories. Condolences to all family and friends.
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September 29, 2025
Friends forever; Brothers by different parents. Bruno
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September 29, 2025
I am going to miss my dad so much. Have loads of fun up there with Jesus!
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