Walter E. Pienkowski II, D.M.D., of West Long Branch, passed away unexpectedly May 31, 2025. Walter spent his final days vacationing with close friends and tending to his garden, which he took great pride and joy in.
Predeceased by his wife of 44 years, Ruth C. Pienkowski, Walter is survived by his loving and devoted daughters, Elena M. Pienkowski of New York, New York and West Long Branch, and Kristen M. Fitzgerald and her husband Daniel B. Fitzgerald of Fairfield, Connecticut, his adoring granddaughters, Quinn and Keira, and his grand-pup Shelby. He is also survived by his companion Diane McCarty, sister-in-law Joan Shields and many close friends, who became family and sustained him after Ruth’s passing.
Son of the late Beatrice and Walter E. Pienkowski, Walter was raised in Jersey City with his sister, the late Charlene Pienkowski Parker. He was a graduate of St. Peter’s Preparatory School (1960), St. Peter’s College (1964) and the New Jersey College of Medicine and Dentistry (1968).
Walter proudly served as an officer in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and was awarded several medals, including the Purple Heart. After returning stateside, he continued to serve in the Army Reserves until his retirement, ultimately achieving the rank of colonel. The annual Veterans Day celebration at his granddaughters’ school held a special place in his heart as a moment for them to honor his service and share how much he meant to them.
Affectionately known as “Dr. P,” Walter operated a dental practice in Shrewsbury for nearly 50 years. He was a highly skilled practitioner who valued not only the technical side of dentistry but also the meaningful relationships it allowed him to build. His gentle manner and quiet confidence endeared him to patients and colleagues alike.
Walter had a passion for traveling and new experiences, which led him to many places around the globe, including Australia, Germany, Thailand, Hawaii and Alaska. He vacationed in Aruba for nearly 30 years, his second home, where he made lasting memories with loved ones and often said, in his understated way, “Now, this isn’t too hard to take.”
Although Walter earned many prestigious titles throughout his life, he was most fulfilled to be called husband, dad and grandpa. His love for Ruth was deep and unwavering and her passing left a profound void in his heart. He was endlessly proud of his daughters, Elena and Kristen, and shared a bond with each of them that was filled with love and admiration. Walter enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his granddaughters Quinn and Keira, whether it was summer days by his pool for “grandpa camp,” basketball games or family holidays. Walter’s legacy of kindness, warmth and playfulness will live on in each of them.
Visitation, under the direction of the John E. Day Funeral Home, 85 Riverside Ave., Red Bank, will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. June 5. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. June 6 at St. Michael’s Church in West End. Entombment will immediately follow at Woodbine Cemetery in Oceanport.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516 or the Monmouth County SPCA, 260 Wall St., Eatontown, NJ 07724. Memories and condolences may be shared at johnedayfuneralhome.com.
The article originally appeared in the June 5 – 11, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
