Walter Edward Saiko, 98, of Daugherty Township, passed away peacefully on July 4th, 2025, at Concordia at Villa St. Joseph in Baden, Pennsylvania.

He was born in Osage, West Virginia on November 28th, 1926, a son of the late Mary and Andy Saiko. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 63 years, Peggy and two brothers, Andrew and Frank Saiko. He is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Walter and Tamela Saiko of Parkersburg, West Virginia and two daughters and sons-in-law, Theresa and Jim Jeffeaux of Greenville, South Carolina, and Bernadette and Thomas Mattica of Daugherty Township. He was a proud grandfather to seven grandchildren: Joseph and Alexis Albright, Kevin Saiko, Alton and Matthew Jeffeaux, Rachel Mattica, Alyssa Mattica and her husband David Priebe; as well as a loving uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Walter was a proud American and World War II veteran who served his country in the U.S. Army in the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre as an underwater demolition expert with the Amphibious Engineers, and was a long-time member of American Legion Post 19 of New Brighton. He was a Professional Engineer who worked on infrastructure projects across the United States, including remote regions like Barrow, Alaska.

He was a lifetime member and treasurer of the United Croatian Club of New Brighton, where he was a beloved presence and, by many accounts, the finest polka dancer in Western Pennsylvania. He was also a faithful member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and Holy Family Catholic Church in New Brighton.

He also leaves behind his faithful feline companion, Mačka.  Mačka was a constant comfort to Walt in his later years.

Friends will be received on Friday, July 11, from 1-3 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. at the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton, who was in charge of his arrangements. A prayer service will be held on Saturday, July 12th at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 521 7th Avenue, New Brighton with Brother John Harvey officiating. Members of the Beaver County Special Unit are asked to meet at the cemetery at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 12th to provide military honors.

Entombment will follow at Sylvania Hills Mausoleum, 273 PA-68, Rochester.

Friends are invited to join the family following the funeral at the United Croatian Club of New Brighton from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, July 12th for food and dancing and to celebrate Walter’s life.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Concordia at Villa St. Joseph for the compassionate care provided to Walt in his final days.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Walter’s name to the Twelve Loaves Soup Kitchen, 1031 Second Avenue, New Brighton, PA 15066, or the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001.