Walter W. Piersol, 80, of Westfield, NY passed away peacefully at home on September 1 st after a brief

illness. Walter was born on November 27 th , 1941 in Erie, Pa., the son of the late Dr. Walter W. and Ruth

(Geisler) Piersol.

He graduated from Academy High School in Erie, Pa. He continued his education at the Rochester

Institute of Technology, earning a Bachelor degree in 1964 and a Masters degree in 1965 in Graphic

Design. Walter worked for the Dunkirk Area School District as an art teacher with thirty years of service,

retiring in 1995.

Walter was an avid sailor who designed, built and restored several boats over the years including his

prized “Ardea” that he designed and built with the help from his nephew James. He enjoyed multiple

international sailing excursions including sailing across the Indian Ocean. Beyond sailing his other

passion was art and Walter was a gifted artist and sculptor who worked in a multitude of media. Walter

was able to marry his joy of sailing with his art and had many pieces of his works exhibited at the

Maritime Gallery at Mystic Seaport for several years in addition to a multitude of local and regional

exhibitions. Of course, to his great nieces and nephews he will always be known for his incredible

firework displays on the fourth of July at the family cottage on Lake Erie.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife of 51 years, Francine (Grehl) Piersol. In addition to his

wife he is survived by his sister-in-law, Frances (Kay) Piersol, a niece, Michele (Peter) Piersol Lawson of

Fairview, Pa. and nephews, James J. (Anne) Piersol of Northeast, Pa., Scott (Ranae) Grehl of Fort

Lauderdale, FL, Michael Grehl of San Diego, CA, Kenton Langstroth and Blair (Andrea) Langstroth of Fort

Lauderdale, FL.

A private service for Walter was held on Wednesday, September 7, 2022 at the Gate of Heaven

Cemetery in Erie, Pa.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the Westfield Fire Department and Emergency Squad,

memorial contributions in Walter’s memory may be made to this organization.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mason Funeral Home, 37 Clinton St. Westfield, NY.

Please share condolences and remembrances at www.masonfuneral.com.