Bernard J. “Bun” Waltman

Bernard J. “Bun” Waltman, 96, passed away late Friday afternoon, June 23, 2023 at Butler Memorial Hospital. He was surrounded by his loving family who serenaded him with his favorite songs and prayers.
Bun was born in Chicora on August 30, 1926.  He was the son of the late Sylverius Agustus “Gus” and Esther Geibel Waltman.
He was a 1944 graduate of Chicora High School and graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 1950, where he played drums in the Pitt Marching Band. Bun was a World War II veteran having served in the U.S. Army Air Force.  He was a well-known life insurance agent with Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company in Butler for 57 years.  He was proud to have sold more than 2 million dollars in policies and was a member of the company’s Million Dollar Round Table.
He was a lifelong active member of St. Wendelin Roman Catholic Church where he served on the Parish Council and sang in the choir in his earlier years. Bun was a faithful benefactor to the church, often funding and working on various church improvement projects.  He had most recently funded the leveling and paving of the parking lot below St. Wendelin School. He enjoyed helping at the church’s annual picnic and was well-known for operating the Paddle Wheel game.
Bun was known for his quick wit, extensive knowledge, and charisma. He was always happiest outdoors with a shovel in his hand. He enjoyed hunting, all types of outdoor activities, and gardening. He was especially proud of all the flowers and produce in his gardens. Bun was always working on a do-it-yourself project. One of his biggest accomplishments was building his second house by hand, “7 Acres”, in his late 50s. He was a self-taught musician and enjoyed singing, playing the piano, guitar, and harmonica. In his later years, he loved singing with his favorite songbird, his granddaughter Makayla. He was also an avid fan of all Pittsburgh sports. He always enjoyed family gatherings at the Cottage and loved sitting on his porch swing looking at Lake Alice.
Bernard was preceded in death by his beautiful wife, Alice M. Pruss Waltman, whom he married at St. Ignatius Roman Catholic Church in Carnegie, PA on October 8, 1955. One of their proudest accomplishments was having 7 kids in 8 years.
He is survived by his six children, Cynthia A. Garcia and her fiancé, Kenneth L. McKinney of Myrtle Beach, SC, Dr. Bonnie J. Catalano and her husband, Roland, of West Friendship, MD, Daniel J. Waltman and his wife, Becky, of Fenelton, Mary A. Piwowarski and her husband, John, of Avon, IN, Timothy P. Waltman and his wife, Charlotte, of Fenelton, and Dr. Teena L. Waltman of Cranberry Twp.; a sister, Frances Waltman of Chicora; his grandchildren, Andrew Garcia, Christie Garcia Lucey (Luke), Christopher Catalano (Kristin), Ryan Catalano (Carrie), Lauren Catalano, Daniel Waltman (Libby), Shelby Hites (Josh), Joseph Piwowarski, Kristen Piwowarski Bobb (Bryce), Marissa Piwowarski, Brendan Waltman (Angela MacKay) Makayla Waltman, and Nathan Waltman; a number of great grandchildren, and he was looking forward to the birth of two more great grandchildren soon.  He is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Richard J. Waltman, a grandson, Jerimiah Waltman, and three sisters, Sister Constance Marie Waltman C.D.P., Dolores “Doll” Phillips, and Ellen Waltman.
Friends will be received at the Hile Funeral Home of Chicora, 339 Chicora Fenelton Rd., Chicora from 1-3 and 6-8 p.m. Monday.  A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Wendelin Roman Catholic Church of St. Clare of Assisi Parish, 210 St. Wendelin Rd, Butler, PA with the Rev. Matt McClain officiating.  Military honors will be accorded following Mass at the church by members of the Chicora and Brady’s Bend American Legion Posts. Interment will be in St. Wendelin Cemetery. Condolences may be sent by visiting www.hilefh.com.