Obituary of Walter J. Friest

Mr. Walter "Walley" J. Friest, 83 of County Hwy. 54, Cherry Valley, New York, died Wednesday evening, June 3, 2009 at his home. Born on December 26, 1925 in Bronx, NY, he was the son of John Friest and Delia O'Conner Friest. He attended schools in the Bronx. He had been a resident of Cherry Valley over the past ten years. Previously he resided in Fort Plain for many years. Mr. Friest had worked at Beech-Nut in Canajoharie and was the owner and operator of the former Lamppost Tavern. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and the Korean War, obtaining the rank of Seaman First Class. Mr. Friest was of Catholic faith. He was a lifetime member of the Fort Plain VFW Earl Stock Memorial Post #3275. Mr. Friest was also a charter member of the Tryon Vosa (Veterans of Overseas Service) Post #34 in Johnstown, NY. Mr. Friest was predeceased by his wife, Frederica Friest on June 16, 1995. In addition to his wife he was also predeceased by his brothers, Albert, John, Barney, William; and sisters, Anna, Charlett, Helen, Delia, Margaret and Bertha. Mr. Friest is survived by his son, Thomas Smith of Lake City, PA; grandson, Joseph Smith of Albany, NY; daughter-in-law, Tonya Graham of Cherry Valley, NY; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.