On Saturday, August 27, 2022, Walter (Wally) Crispyn, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, volunteer school ice cream man, Little League Coach, District Administrator, and avid Florida Gator Fan, passed away. He was 80 years old at the time of his passing.
Wally was born to Gus and Mildred Crispyn in Freeport, NY. He spent his childhood playing on the waterways and channels of Long Island on his mini boat. He started his military service after High School. He met and married the love of his life, Sandy Cable. The two of them deployed to Alaska to start their long life together. In October 1964 they welcomed their first son, Michael while stationed in Burbank, CA. Wally left the military in 1965 to start his career in Information Technology. In 1968, their second son, Jim, was born in Oceanside, NY. In 1972 the Crispyn family moved to Clearwater, Florida. Wally continued his IT career with Morgan Yacht and Better Business Forms becoming the Vice President of IT. In 1976 he received his Associate of Arts Degree from St. Pete Junior College.
Wally was actively involved with his sons’ Little League Baseball experience. He was a beloved Coach to many children in the Dunedin Area. He became the League President of Dunedin American Little League and eventually became the District 12 Administrator.
His childhood love of the water developed into a passion for sailing. He and Sandy went on several cruises, and his favorite type of sailing was on the Windjammer Cruises. Wally and Sandy got to explore numerous islands and hundreds of amazing sunsets together.
In April 1997, Wally suffered a heart attack which resulted in an Anoxic Brain Injury. Through his strong will and determination for life, aided by powerful prayers from family, friends, and the support of numerous medical professionals he survived to have an exceptional life.
Wally entered the next phase of his life as “Mr. Wally the Ice Cream Man.” He dedicated 20 years of his life to serving the children of Cypress Woods Elementary. During that time, he was a pilar of the cafeteria and was recognized several times as the Volunteer of the Year. Mr. Wally, as he was lovingly referred to by the students, adored the children at the school and loved his time as the Ice Cream Man.
Wally is survived by his wife of 61 years, Sandy, his sons Michael (Becky) and Jim, his 4 grandchildren Keith (Becca), Chelsea, Trevor, Taylor, and his brother Joe (Sue). Predeceased by his father Gus, mother Mildred Preiser, and 2 brothers Artie and Tom.
Memorial Service will be held at his parish St. Ignatius of Antioch Roman Catholic Church on Tarpon Ave this Friday, September 2, 2022 @1pm officiated by Father Bill Swengros.
In lieu of flowers, the family would request you donate to Empath Health Suncoast Hospice in Wally’s honor. https://suncoasthospice.org/donate/
St Ignatius of Antioch Roman Catholic Church
Jim Crispyn
August 30, 2022, 4:52 pm
You will always be my hero Pop! You spent your life giving to others. You were always kind and generous to everyone you came in contact with. You were my mentor in how to be a good man. Your love for your family and community is something I will always look up to. I will forever be proud to be called Wally’s son.
I love you,
Jim
Beth Kerr
August 30, 2022, 6:38 pm
Our family….The Sheets Family with Caleb, Ethan, and Nolan will forever love Mr Wally the Ice Cream man at Cypress Woods Elementary. He for so many years always in the Cafeteria and so loved. He touched so many lives in his lifetime. Sending my thoughts and prayers to his family…..
E. Jane Campbell
August 30, 2022, 6:44 pm
Wally and Sandy were our friends and family, by marriage. Before Wally’s health deteriorated, he was gracious and charming. As he was able, he was always a loving and kind person. We had much in common, loving our children and sharing together. May he find rest in his eternal peace, and Sandy, a time for holding precious memories close to her heart.
Jane and George (deceased) Campbell
Joe Crispyn
August 30, 2022, 9:32 pm
Wally was an infant when our family of six moved into our Grand Fathers tiny house in Freeport, NY shortly after our Grand Mothers passing in her forties. Artie was 5, I was 3. and Tom was 2. Of the four of us, Wally was the quietest, best looking and the best athlete. He and I would toss a baseball back and forth for literally hours in front of our house on Gordon Place.
After High School Tom, Wally, and I followed the same path .. into the service, Wally and I, the Air Force, Tom the Navy.
But Wally was a bit different and was a testimony to his life. He stayed home a little longer to watch over our parents. Always compassionate.
Marcia and Larry Morrow
August 30, 2022, 9:50 pm
My heart is heavy as I learn of Wally’s passing. Wally was my Boss in the IT department at BBF for almost 17 years, during those years I learned so much from this kind and gentle man who along with his wife Sandy became valued friends of mine and my family. Wally, with heartfelt memories, I wish you eternal rest in His Loving Grace. To all of Wally’s family and loved ones I wish you peace and solace, may you’re loving memories comfort you as you heal.
Marcia
August 31, 2022, 3:32 am
My heart is heavy with sadness as I learn of Wally’s passing. Wally was my boss for 17 years (1980 – 1997) in the IT Department at BBF. I learned so much from this kind, gentle, and peaceful man. During those years Wally and his wife Sandy became valuable friends to me and my family. Wally, I wish your kind soul eternal rest in His Grace. To all of Wally’s family and friends I wish you peace and solace as you heal from the loss of your loving Mr. Wally.
Tom & Gwyn Hodgson
August 31, 2022, 2:40 pm
Wally was a good man and it was my privilege to be his friend. He will be missed by many. Wally and I were in the YMCA Indian Guide program with our kids and I have many good memories of our friendship. we wish Sandy his wife the love of his life, and their family , our sincere condolence for their loss God Bless
Tom & Gwyn Hodgson
August 31, 2022, 3:01 pm
Wally was a good man it was my privilege to be his friend. Wally and I were in the YMCA Indian Guide program with our kids and I have many good memories of our friendship. We wish his wife Sandy and the family our condolence for their loss. God Bless
Jeanine Julier
August 31, 2022, 11:07 pm
My prayers and condolences go out to the family! The Crispyn family is a well known family to Cypress Woods Elementary with Becky being the amazing P.E. teacher, Sandy being the school secretary for so long and of course Wally being the ice cream man! Wally was always so kind and loving to the kids and us adults too! He would never fail to compliment you or help a child. This is a huge loss but what an amazing life he has had! Lots of love to you all! 😀
Barbara Genevie
September 1, 2022, 2:35 am
Sandy and family my condolences to all of you. I worked with Wally at Better Business Forms. I thought of him often over the years. He really was a great person to work with and my heart goes out to you and just wanted you to know that he will be missed by those who came to know him. May the Lord give you comfort through this difficult time.
Helen G Crispyn
September 1, 2022, 3:48 am
Helen Crispyn
Wally was such a great guy. It was my privilege to have known him most of my life. He wasn’t a brother-in-law, he was more like my brother. I have a lot of wonderful memories, married his brother Tom in 1960. My memories are full of the life he made with the love of his life Sandy. The two wonderful sons, Michael & Jimmy. The beautiful families they created, gave both Sandy & Wally such great joy. I will miss him dearly. My prayers are will all of them.