Obituary
Walter Soroka, a generous and passionate person, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2025, at the age of 95 in Thornton, CO at his senior community, The Villas at Sunny Acres. Born on April 25, 1929, in Jersey City, NJ, Walter moved with his family to Chicago, IL in 1942, where his journey of passion, dedication, and service to others began.
Walter’s life was one of unwavering dedication to justice, characterized by his long and illustrious career in law. A proud alumnus of the University of Michigan, he graduated with a Bachelor's degree in LS&A in 1951, moving on to earn his Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois Law School in 1953. For 60 years, Walter practiced law with a focus on helping the victims of circumstance, always advocating for the unfortunate and downtrodden. His commitment to civil rights brought him to Mississippi in the 1960s, where he stood with courage and empathy as a civil rights activist and defended Black Americans who were unjustly arrested.
In congruence with his professional life, Walter was an active leader in his community, serving as Township Committeeman from 1975 to 1981 and acting as a Police & Fire Commissioner in Palatine, IL. His passion for community representation in politics and his infallible debate skills, made him a cherished leader and friend to many.
In 1976, he served as an Alternate Delegate at the National Democratic Convention, underscoring his lifelong passion for politics and the democratic process. He had received personal recognition from former Presidents Jimmy Carter and Barack Obama, as well as Governor Kerner of Illinois and Mayor Daley of Chicago for his unwavering dedication and contributions to the Democratic Party.
Walter was also a man of diverse interests and ambition. An aspiring entrepreneur, he ventured into underwater salvage with Seven Seas Enterprises and dabbled in Italian frozen foods with Farina's Famous Foods. Though these business endeavors didn’t meet the success he hoped for, Walter's entrepreneurial spirit remained undiminished.
Walter’s boundless generosity, gregarious nature, and tireless work ethic were matched only by his love and pride for his family and Ukrainian heritage. He was predeceased by his four siblings: Mary, Olga, Myron, and Lillian and his former wife of 37 years, Barbara Soroka.
He is survived by:
3 children: Pamela Brockman (John), Paul Soroka (Mary), Susan Mellyn (John)
7 grand kids: Justin Maldonado (Bobbi), Danielle Case (Tyler), Jessica Burton (Joey), Zackary Soroka, Paul Mellyn, and Kara Mellyn
3 great-grandchildren: Macie Salzer, Lillian Salzer, and Theodore Case.
Walter’s legacy of generosity, kindness, integrity, and community service lives on in them and in all whose lives he touched. He will be remembered not only for the indelible impact he had on the legal community and civil rights, but also for the warmth and humor he brought to those around him. Walter Soroka was a pillar of strength, a steadfast advocate, a loving father, grandfather, and indeed, the proud storyteller of a life fully lived captivating all who listened.
Walter steered clear of doctors throughout most of his life, but he was a strong believer in holistic medicine. He self-diagnosed and treated his ailments with copious amounts of vitamins, minerals, and natural remedies. As his final act in giving to the community, he made the noble decision to donate his body for medical research to the University of Colorado Anshutz Medical Center. This will enable medical students to learn and study through a hands-on approach. His legacy for helping others will live into the future.
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There are no words that could fully describe everything you were.
But you fulfilled my heart in so many ways.
Dad was an accomplished man, both in his profession and through his wisdom. He showed passion and strived to succeed in everything he did.
He taught us strong work ethics and family values through his hard work, strength, and good will. In Dad's profession, he dealt with a lot of negativity, but he always maintained a positive outlook on the situation, family, and life.
Dad also had a fun side. He loved animals and made sure to spend quality time with his little girl, taking me to the zoo. One of our favorites things was visiting the apes. Dad enjoyed trying to communicate with them, making hand gestures and faces. The main ape (Alpha) would mimic everything Dad did. Before long, Dad had drawn a crowd. Others would try, but with no success-except Dad. This grew into a new ritual every time we went to the zoo. After a couple of years, I believe the Alpha male ape recognized Dad.
On a family vacation to Yellowstone National Park, we encountered a bear. Dad stopped the vehicle and grabbed a bushel of apples we'd bought on the trip. He proceeded out of the car and approached the bear. The bear was on his hind legs, hovering a few feet from Dad, as he decided to feed our apples. Mom and us kids were screaming at Dad to get back in the car.
When Dad took me to a carnival, we always rode the Ferris wheel. We'd reach the top, and Dad would look at me with a smile and scare me by rocking the seat back and forth as hard as he could, laughing the whole time.
Dad also loved history. Anytime we went to a museum, I would have to read every sign at every exhibit to him-only because Dad never had strong enough glasses. His excuse was, "This is how I learn about history."
When dad came to visit, I always made sure he had a glass of vodka, and I would make holubtsi (Baba style), and we would watch old westerns until we fell asleep. Dad didn't need to be entertained-as long as he was with family, that was the most important thing. Enjoying Ukrainian food and our company.
I miss the moments from growing up with you to our adulthood having political debates. The way you raised us and the accomplishments you made in life reflected in your children. You taught me to be the person I am. Thank you, Dad, for your love, for being supportive, and encouraging me to do my best in life. I will always look up to you, Dad, and to the sacrifices you made for the family. I will always cherish the memories we shared together. You will forever have a place in my heart. Dad, I miss you and love you very much.
Sue
I remember at Jessica's wedding, when I asked him to dance and take pictures with me, he didn't have a moment's hesitation to join in the fun.
He always wanted the best for everyone and loved his family so much. Everyone seemed to love him, too.
Wherever he is now, I hope he's enjoying his westerns and cheering on the Red Sox. I'm pouring out a glass of potato vodka in his honor.
Love you, Gramps.
It is hard to put into words the gratitude and love I feel for you. You have lived such a full, remarkable life. I feel incredibly honored to have known you. From the very first moment I became a part of your family, I could feel your warmth and generosity. You welcomed me and my daughters unconditionally, with open arms, and I knew right away that you were someone special.
I’ll always cherish our late evening chats - just the two of us, where you trusted me enough to bare your heart and soul - good, bad, and the ugly. Those moments meant the world to me. Your wisdom, your open heart, your sense of humor, and your deep compassion for others always shone through. It’s something I will carry with me forever.
I'll also carry the memories of you rocking baby Zackary to sleep while singing Ukrainian songs. Were the songs and words made up? Maybe, but it was still very touching. I smile whenever those memories pop up.
Wally, I will always keep the promise I made to you on my wedding day — to always take care of your son. I will continue to love him with all my heart and do everything I can to honor the incredible legacy you’ve left. I know he carries so much of you with him, and that makes me even more proud to be by his side.
Thank you for everything. Your love, guidance, and the memories (yes, even your raised arm and the jiggling of ice in an empty drink glass signaling it's time for another round) will never be forgotten. You've done good. Now rest easy.
With all my love,
Mary
Walter was very special to our family through the years.
Helping us in business and personal.
Even though we both moved out of our home town of Palatine
we still kept in touch with calls and cards.
We will miss you,
Farewell sweet Dynamite. Love Jim and Jeannine
Words cannot express all my love for you and how you will be missed. There are so many life experiences with you capturing all the emotions one can have, and I wouldn't know where to start to recount them.
However there is one thing for certain, and that is I embody you in many facets, as "the apple does not fall far from the tree". Your love of life transcends mine through your examples of being a loving father and family man, making a difference in the lives of others through profession and generosity, and being in the moment by loving life in what it offers through family, reading (politics, history, and geography), music, dance, food, games, the outdoors, and sports (especially baseball, fishing and UM football).
Your enduring love and generosity overflows my heart, I am so proud to have you as my father. Your legacy will live on in me and others, and may you now be at eternal peace. I miss you and I love you so much, Dad.
Forever, Paul
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Crossword Puzzles
Horse Racing, Poker, Slots, Rummy Cube, & Bingo
Music (Crooners Era) & Dancing (Especially Polka)
Family Gatherings with Vodka & Ukrainian Food like holubtsi and pierogis, or Chicago thin crust pizza and Old Style beer
Western Movies
Fishing
Die-hard sports fan of the Chicago White Sox Baseball team and the University of Michigan Football team
