Walter A. Lastig

Walter A. Lastig, 88, of Port Ewen NY died June 21, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family and the love and grace of God. Born on January 6, 1936, in New York, NY, he was the son of Erich and Helen (Kulasinski) Lastig.

Walt is survived by his loving wife, Beverly J. Lastig, whom he married on November 28, 1992, and his two sisters, Constance Rotondaro, and Elaine (Loren) Lanier. He is also survived by four children, Linda Stoothoff (James), Lee Melius (M.J.), Michael Cassano (Heather) and Scott Cassano, and eleven grandchildren, Paige, Brandon (Audrey), Christopher, Cierra, Caden, Cidney, Cameron, Sarah, Abby, Sam and Rachel. Walt was also blessed with four great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews Annemarie, Helene, Joseph, Robert, Lori, Kerrianne, Kyle, and Kris. Walt is predeceased by his first wife Virginia Yliharju Lastig.

Walt graduated from Stuyvesant High School in 1953 and furthered his education at the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn with a master’s degree in electrical engineering. Walt was proud of his 30 years of work at IBM, mainly at the Poughkeepsie NY plant during the company’s robust business years. 

Walt was a member of the Fair Street Reformed Church and served on many committees as a treasurer, grant writer, visionary and was instrumental in renovating the sanctuary including the stained-glass windows, the courtyard, and many other major projects. He enjoyed the outdoors, gardening, boating, biking, hiking, skiing, and running but his true love was being around family, sharing meals, laughter and love. 

The family of Walt Lastig wishes to express their gratitude to so many health professionals and caregivers that guided and supported Walt in his health journey. We wish to single out Dr. Silver and Dr. Abu-Zeinah of Weill Cornell and the Hudson Valley Hospice for their compassionate care during Walt’s last days. 

Services entrusted to the care of Keyser Funeral & Cremation Service, 326 Albany Ave., Kingston, NY 12401 where family and friends may visit on Friday June 28, 2024 from 4pm to 6pm. The funeral service will be held at 10am on Saturday June 29, 2024 at Fair Street Reformed Church, 209 Fair Street, Kingston, NY 12401. Burial will follow in Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery. 

Our family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of support from family and friends. We respectfully ask that, in lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to any of the following: Fair Street Reformed Church: www.fairstreetreformedchurch.org Children’s Home of Kingston: www.chkingston.org Hudson Valley Hospice: www.hvhospice.org A tribute for Walt can be found at www.KeyserFuneralService.com where you may leave expressions of sympathy for the family. 

If you wish to virtually attend the funeral service held Fair Street Reformed Church, please use this Zoom Link and Meeting ID: 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81736133999

Meeting ID: 817 3613 3999

To view a slideshow of photos that the family created, please click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1GQ1_rq2es