Walter Podpora

Walter “Walt” A. Podpora,  83, of Holland Township, NJ, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at the home of his beloved son, Walter, in Pittstown, NJ.

Born on March 12, 1942, in Plainfield, NJ, Walter lived there until the age of 17 before moving to Hunterdon County, for a period of time. After returning to Plainfield, he ultimately settled in Holland Township in 2009, where he resided until his passing.

Walter was a self-employed roofing contractor and builder for many years. In 1983, he established Welcome Homes, Inc., which he successfully owned and operated until his retirement.

As a teenager in the 1950s, Walter was a singer and performer with the well-known New Jersey band “The Dynamics.”  The Dynamics performed in Dorney Park, Asbury Park, Meadow, and Grossingers in NY with stars like Dion and the Belmonts and the Starlets later becoming the Angels “My boyfriends back “They also sang with Ben E King  and the Drifters and sang backup for Rosey Grier singing, “Sincerely”. Working with Wolf, a big A/R man, in New York City and Decca records. They recorded several 45 records with a top 40 hit in Detroit and North Carolina,  “Seems Like Only Yesterday”. Dick Clark wanted to sign them up but due to a previous contract they couldn't. They had numerous shows on the Radio and even appeared on the American Bandstand in York, Pennsylvania and New Haven, Connecticut.

Walter was an avid collector of American Indian artifacts and had a deep love for nature. He greatly enjoyed being outdoors, especially gardening, botany, and foraging for mushrooms. He also had a special affection for animals.

Son of the late Walter Podpora and Helen (Skrzypczak) Podpora, Walter is survived by his son, Walter J. Podpora of Pittstown, NJ; his daughters, Carol Anne Podpora, Barbara Cantamesa, Debbie Fuchs, Diane Throckmorton, and Denise Reed; his brother, Michael Podpora; and his sister, Helen Walter. He is also survived by his eight grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his longtime companion of 45 years, Dolores Sohn; his son, Dennis Sohn; his brother, Chester Podpora; and his sisters, Janet Kresge and Rosemary Carter.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Johnson-Walton Funeral Home, and will be announced at a later date.

Arrangements are under the care of Johnson-Walton Funeral Home, 24 Church Road, Milford, NJ 08848.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Wounded Warriors Project at woundedwarriorproject.org  or The Tunnel to Towers Foundation at T2T.org.

For more information or to send online condolences, please visit www.JohnsonWalton.com.

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