Walter P. Cynar, '49 - 1919-2007

The Honorable Walter P. Cynar 88, a 43-year resident of Warren and a retired Macomb County judge, died Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007, at Botsford Hospital in Farmington Hills. He was born Nov. 14, 1919, in Hamtramck.

Judge Cynar was raised with his siblings in Hamtramck, attended Our Lady Queen of Apostles church and school, and graduated from Hamtramck High School where he played football.

He was admitted to practice law in 1949 and admitted to the U.S. Supreme Court Bar in 1964.

From 1966 through 1990, he served as a judge for 11 years at Macomb County Circuit Court in Mount Clemens and on the bench for the Michigan Court of Appeals for 13 years.

He earned a bachelor's degree in 1943 from Western Michigan University and a juris doctorate degree in 1949 from University of Detroit. He attended Georgetown University Law School, New York University and Law School; National Judicial College, American University and Wayne State University.

He served as a lieutenant senior grade in the U.S. Naval Reserves in World War II and was a life member of member of AMVETS Post 29, member of American Legion Post 4, and a life member of Polish Legion of American Veterans Post 165.

Judge Cynar was a member of Michigan State Bar Association, where he formerly served on the board of directors in the negligence section and was a past treasurer in the family section.

He also was a member of the Michigan State Bar Foundation, a Life Fellow, member and past board member of the Macomb Bar Association, member and past board director of Advocates Bar Association, American Judges Association, American Bar Association (Judicial Administration Division), National Advocates Society, member and past president of Michigan Retired Judges Association, member and past president of Macomb County Bar Foundation, and member of the Oakland Bar Association.

He had been a member of Boy Scouts of America and its Executive Board of Detroit Area Council where he had been past counsel, National Council member, district chairman, Scouting Heritage Society, and other capacities.

He also had served on the board of directors for Mount Clemens Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors, was the first chairman of the Clinton Township Civil Service Commission, first chairman of the Warren Crime Commission, member of the Warren Symphony Society board of directors, Macomb County Law Enforcement & Criminal Justice Planning Commission and a corporate member of Boys' and Girls' Club of Metro Detroit-Warren Building.

He was on the Board of Regents for Orchard Lake Schools and an honorary regent since 1986 and served on the board as chairman for St. Mary's College.

Other memberships included American Polish Century Club, Sterling Heights; Michigan Polish Century Club of Macomb County, Utica; Polish Century Club, Detroit; Polish National Alliance, Alliance of Poles of America, Polish Falcons of America, Friends of Polish Art, Polish American Congress, Order of Alhambra, and Knights of Columbus.

Judge Cynar had been honored by Orchard Lake Schools Alumnus; Boys' Clubs of Metropolitan Detroit-Friend of Boy Award, Outstanding Volunteer, Outstanding Key Award; Boy Scouts of America-St. George Emblem; District Award of Merit; Silver Beaver Award; Detroit Area Council, Michigan District, Distinguished Citizens Award; Hamtramck High Hall of Honor; Central Citizens Committee Polonia Award; Warren Rotary Charles Hanover Community Service Award; Outstanding Service Award, State Department, Polish Legion AMVETS USA; Red Mass Chairman at University of Detroit Law School; Italian American Cultural Society, Warren Symphony Society, and International Opera Theatre Cultural and Community Service Honoree; Oakland County Bar Association; State Of Michigan Supreme Court Resolution in recognition of distinguished service as a judge; tribute by U.S. Sen. Carl Levin printed in the Congressional Record; and proclamations by the Macomb County Bar Association; Macomb County Board of Commissioners; Hamtramck; Sterling Heights Mayor Jean Di Rezze; Warren Mayor Ronald L. Bonkowski; American Polish Engineering Association; Wolverine and Detroit Bar Associations; Macomb County Bar Foundation and Care House Special Honoree; Advocates Bar Association Exemplary Service Award; 50 Year State Bar of Michigan honoree; and Warren Library Commission trustee.

The judge also enjoyed visiting his 80-acre farm in Memphis, Mich. He often allowed the Boy Scouts to use the farm for overnight camping and outdoor skills training.

Judge Cynar is survived by his wife of more than 66 years, Toni (nee: Ezersky), a former school teacher; children: Christopher (Joanne Start) Cynar, David Cynar, Mark (Marykay Marks) Cynar, Mary (John Wygonski) Cynar, and John Cynar (Hillary Ward); grandchildren, Christopher, Paul, Larissa, Ellen, Anna, Paula, and Will; brothers, Fred and Raymond Cynar; and former daughter-in-law, Carol Cynar.

He was predeceased by his sister, Geanne Tutag; and parents, Andrew Cynar and Josephine (nee Bawol) Cynar.