Walter G. Mackey, 75, of 33 McKune Avenue, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, October 14, 2021, surrounded by his family.
Born September 9, 1946 in Bradford, he was the son of the late William and Ethel (Gould) Mackey.
He was a 1965 graduate of Bradford Area High School.
On February 15, 1968, in the West Branch First United Methodist Church, he married Nancy K. Burdick, who preceded him in death on January 22, 2021.
Walt was employed at International Wax in Farmers Valley as a Boiler House Operator for 38 years, retiring on July 31, 2013.
Walt enjoyed traveling around the country with his wife, sightseeing, often stopping at casinos along the way. He loved watching the Buffalo Bills, St. Bonaventure Basketball teams, and Professional Golf. He and his wife were often seen attending local sporting events and never missed an event their sons participated in, especially baseball and bowling. His many years of coaching Little League Baseball and Youth Bowling has certainly made a lasting impact on area youth.
In addition, Walt was the creator of the puzzle games Number & Letter Place, the precursor to the game now called Sudoku, and was a regular puzzle contributor for many years to Dell Champion Puzzle books. He also had his own book, Repeat-Letter Sudoku (Mensa) published in 2007.
Surviving are two sons, Joseph (Amy) Mackey, of Bradford, and David (Kristin) Mackey, of Beavercreek, OH, one sister, Shirley (James) Clark, of Prentisvale, four grandchildren, Ryan Mackey, Grace Mackey, Curtis Mackey, and Craig Mackey, his grand dog "Maddie", three great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and two brothers, Gary Mackey and Robert Gould, and one sister Judy Johnson.
Friends will be received on Saturday, October 23, 2021, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm in the First Church of the Nazarene, with funeral services immediately following held with Rev. Josh Haney, Pastor officiating. Burial will be in Willow Dale Cemetery.
Memorials if desired may be made to Kids and Cancer, McKean County SPCA, or any charity of the donor's choice.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com