UTICA - Walter Saltys, 83, formerly of Johnson Street, Richfield Springs, died peacefully on Thursday evening, March 10, 2005, in St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Utica. He was born on Sept. 15, 1921, in Passiac, N.J., the son of the late Roman and Mary Anna (Hamot) Saltys. A local area resident since childhood, he was educated in Springfield Center. He was first employed for Remington Rand and for over 20 years worked road construction for Labor Union Local 35, retiring in 1982. He was a U.S. Navy veteran, receiving an honorable discharge as Seaman Second Class in April 1946.On April 7, 1945, he married Marie E. Jakubek in Richfield Springs. They shared a loving and devoted union of 55 years until her passing on Jan. 29, 2000.Walter had a strong love for the outdoors and nature. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was proud of the fact that for 50 years his leisure time was spent fishing on Otsego Lake.Surviving are his four loving daughters, Eleanor and Michael Peplinski Sr. of Richfield Springs, Ann and Jeffrey Pierson of Herkimer, Jean Seamon of Richfield Springs, and Carol and Rodney Brown Sr. of Mohawk; nine grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, a brother, several nieces and nephews.Besides his parents and wife Marie, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Albert and Tony; four sisters, Vera, Stella, Anna and Wanda; and his son-in-law, Wayne Seamon on Sept. 29, 2004.There will be no calling hours.A memorial service will be held in J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home, Richfield Springs, later this spring at a time to be announced.Expressions of sympathy in his name may made to the Masonic Home or American Heart Association. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home