Walter J. "Wally" Szpila, 89, died peacefully at his home Monday, March 24, 2014, surrounded by his family under the compassionate care of Rainbow Hospice. God saw he was getting tired and a cure was not to be.  So he put His arms around him and whispered "Come with me."  With tearful hearts we watched him fade away.  Although we loved him dearly, we could not make him stay.  A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest.  God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best! Walter John Szpila was born September 20, 1924, in Chicago, the son of Cecelia (Kowaleski) and John Szpila.  He attended Holy Trinity grammar school and Washburn Trade  in Chicago.  Wally joined the Navy once World War II broke and then honorably served again in the Korean War.  Walter returned home and worked for over 40 years for Illinois Bell Telephone Company.  He was part of the team at Illinois Bell to install the very first fiber optic cable in the nation. In 1955, Walter met his wife, Bernice "Bea" at the Congress Ballroom asking for a dance that lasted the entire evening.  They were married August 31, 1957 at Holy Trinity, embarking on a 57 year relationship.  They were blessed with four children, Richard, John, Karen, and James.   They resided in Park Ridge for the past twelve years and previously lived in Chicago with his family. Wally enjoyed the outdoors.  He took numerous trips up north, many, to Ely, Minnesota sharing with his family his love of fishing and camping.  He was also actively involved in the Boy Scout troop at St Wenceslaus Parish for many years.  Teaching his own sons and others how to build a fire and canoe at Camp Owasippe or trying to build the fastest car for the Pinewood Derby.   In his retirement he enjoyed working on the daily crossword puzzle, and scrabble, long walks at the lake with his wife and favorite four legged friends; Gordy and Bingo.  His greatest joy was time spent with others; being an exemplary husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. Wally is survived by his devoted wife, Bernice (Warush); his four children Richard (Maureen), John, Karen, and James (Kathy); his granddaughters Cate and Sophia Rose, and his current dog Cookie and previous dog Marty. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Loretta. Visitation will be held Saturday, April 5, 2014 from 10 am to 11:30 followed by a memorial mass at Saint Mary's Catholic Church, 794 Pearson street, Des Plaines, Illinois  60016.  In lieu of flowers donations will be accepted for masses.  Online condolences may be sent for his family at cooneyfuneralhome.com.