Walter "Walt" Stanley Polak, 78, passed away on Friday, December 28, 2012 in Yuma, AZ. He was born on June 20, 1934 in Chicopee, MA.Walt attended and graduated from Technical High School, Springfield, MA. He moved to Yuma in 1970 and later received his Associates Degree from AWC. He retired as a 1st Sergeant, U.S.M.C and a retired Peace Officer with A.D.O.T. He was an avid military history buff and sports fan. Walt served with Joint Chiefs of Staff and at Headquarters Marine Corps, as well as many other duty stations. In 1970 he transferred to MCAS Yuma. He also completed 3 tours to Vietnam. He is the recipient of the RVN Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Republic of Vietnam medal, National Defense Service medal, Vietnamese Service medal, Presidential Unit citation, Navy Unit citation, Combat Action Ribbon, amongst other commendations and awards.Walt is survived by his wife, Geraldine A. Polak; daughter Susan (Al) Polak Griggs; son, John S. (Lauren) Polak; sister, Clara Pepe; brother, Father Max Polak; 2 grandchildren, Adam and Dayna Polak; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Saveria Polak.Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 5, 2013 from 10am to noon at Funeraria Del Angel. His final resting place will be at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.In lieu of flowers please consider a gift to the Wounded Warrior Project. www.woundedwarriorproject.org or the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation www.mcsf.org