Walter J. Tencza, Sr., 91, of Clifton, passed away on December 3, 2023.

Born in Gdynia, Poland, he came to the US in 1939 and settled in Clifton and was a parishioner of St. John Kanty RC Church. A graduate of Clifton High School, Walter was very active in sports and was named Student Athlete of his class in 1951.

Walter attended Seton Hall University in South Orange for two years and then joined the US Army. During his enlistment he served with "The Presidential Honor Guard/The Old Guard", afterwards returning to Seton Hall and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1958. He then attended Fordham University where he received his Law Degree in 1961. Later that year he passed the Bar Exam to practice Law in New Jersey and Federal District Court. Walter opened his first office in Passaic at that time and also received a Master's Degree in Tax Law from New York University.

In 1958 he met his future wife, Barbara Bachman, whom he married in 1960. During their 63 years together they had four children and 6 grandchildren.

Over the years, Walter has represented many Polish Organizations. In 1968, Walter led the Passaic-Clifton and Vicinity Contingent as Marshal in the Pulaski Day Parade on Fifth Avenue in NYC. He served as Council to the Association of Sons of Poland for over 30 years, was an active member of the Central of Polish Organizations, and is a Life Member of the Polish University Club of New Jersey.

Beloved husband for 63 years of Barbara (Bachman) Tencza. Devoted father of Laura Tencza, Walter Tencza, Jr. and his wife Kristin, Joseph Tencza and his wife Kelly, and David Tencza. Loving grandfather of Katie, Lauren, Jayson, Melanie, Morgan and Sullivan.

Visiting Friday, December 8, 2023, 4-8 PM at the Shook Funeral Home, 639 Van Houten Ave., Clifton. Funeral Saturday, December 9, 2023, 8:45 AM at the funeral home and 10 AM at St. John Kanty RC Church, Clifton. Interment, Crest Haven Memorial Park, Clifton.

In lieu of flowers, donations made to either St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, www.StJude.org , or St. Peter's Haven, www.SaintPetersHaven.org in memory of Walter, would be greatly appreciated.