Walter J. Sinkler, Sr.

Walter J. Sinkler was born third of eight children to Luther and Eleanor (James) Sinkler in Pinewood, South Carolina on October 25, 1934, both of whom preceded him in death.  Also preceding him in death were his brothers, Ruther and Steve and sisters, Sarah (Sinkler) Buckman and Eva (Sinkler) Jones.

Walter accepted Christ at an early age and in 1958, married Ernestine (Brock) Sinkler and together, they relocated from South Carolina to McKeesport, Pennsylvania where they raised their four children.   Upon moving to McKeesport, Pennsylvania, he joined the Tube City Iron and Metal Plant in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania as the first African-American crane operator.  After 40 years, Walter retired in 1999 and devoted his love and attention to his grandchildren.

In early 1960s, Walter and his wife became members of St. Paul A.M.E. Church in McKeesport, where they worshipped until Ernestine’s death in 1983 and Walter relocated in 2014 to Columbia, South Carolina.

Walter departed this life on July 29, 2018 and is survived by siblings, Ruby Canty of New York, William (Leon) Sinkler of Maryland, and Pearl Parnell of Florida as well as sons, Walter, Jr. and Terrance of Pennsylvania, daughters, Carmelita (Charles) of Maryland and Elicia of South Carolina, ten grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

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