Wallace D. Tylinski, 92, of Ford City passed away Wednesday in his home.

Born Jan. 4, 1921, he was the son of Edgar and Josephine (Lechnicka) Tylinski.

He was a member of Christ Prince of Peace Church, Ford City.

Wally was a graduate of New Kensington High School and a graduate of Duquesne University, Pittsburgh.

Wally began his professional career as a pianist at the age of 16 and played with a number of big bands, including the Tommy Carlyn, Buddy Lee and Barry Blue Orchestras. He also played with the Talk of the Towners. He was a member of the New Kensington Musical Society and Pittsburgh Musicians Union.

Wally served in the U.S. Army in World War II from 1942 to 1946. He began his military service as a bandsman, bass drum as a member of the 99th infantry division and played at military occasions and formations and with a dance band at USO dances. He played drums, piano and xylophone. Wally also served overseas for 20 months in the European Theatre of Operations (i.e. Battle of the Bulge) under Gen. George Patton. As a rifleman, he participated in the Ardennes and Central European campaigns.

After he graduated from Duquesne University, he worked as a financial cost analyst at Pittsburgh Plate Glass in Ford City, and PPG Industries in Pittsburgh. He also served as a member of the Armstrong County School Board for several years.

Wally married Edna Folcik on July 13, 1944, while on leave from the military. They were married for 68 years until Edna's passing in 2011.

Wally is survived by his daughter, Lori Tylinski, Esq., of Gibsonia; his son, Dr. Donald (Doreen H.) Tylinski of Ford City; two grandchildren, Andrew J. Tylinski and Aleya B. Tylinski, both of Ford City; and two nieces, Paula (James) Opalka of Butler and Penelope Prebish of Ebensburg.

Donny wants to pay tribute to his dad for “being his biggest fan with everything he did in life but most importantly sports.” Lori wants to express her love and her thanks to “the best daddy a daughter could ever have.” We will miss you and love you always. We will miss your music, but we will have music in our hearts forever because of you.

TYLINSKI — Friends of Wallace D. Tylinski, who died Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2013, will be welcomed by his family from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday in the WELCH FUNERAL HOME, 1032 Fourth Ave., Ford City.Parting prayers of transfer will be recited in the funeral home at 9:30 a.m. Monday followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 10 a.m. in the Christ Prince of Peace Church with the Rev. Bryan Summers as celebrant.Interment will be in Holy Trinity Cemetery, Manor Township.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Edna F. Tylinski Memorial Fund, payable at S & T Bank, 920 Fifth Ave., Ford City, PA 16226 to be used for the continued purchase of books and musical instruments for the children.To send an online condolence to his family, please visit www.welchfh.com.