Dr. Walter Maurice Buzi Duval's Obituary
Dr. Walter Maurice Buzi Duval, age 68, of Lakewood, Ohio, passed away on April 6, 2026. He was born on May 3, 1957, in Haiti to the late Maurice Buzi and Gartia Nau.
Walter was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and a man deeply committed to his work and family. He shared 41 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Bessie A. Duval, and together they built a life grounded in love, perseverance, and faith in God.
He is survived by his children, Daniel A. (Christian) Duval, Benjamin D. Duval, and Solace G. (Kamryn) Duval; his cherished grandchildren, Dylan and Isabella, who brought him immense pride and joy; and his siblings, René Baptist, Vidal Nau, and Guerda Martinez.
Walter moved from Haiti to New York when he was 11 years old. He went to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and graduated with a PHD in mechanical engineering. Dr. Duval dedicated 40 years of his professional life to NASA, where he contributed to numerous significant projects, including experiments that went to the International Space Station. His career was marked by intelligence, diligence, and an unwavering work ethic. He took great pride in his accomplishments and remained humble about his role in advancing scientific exploration.
Outside of his career, Walter found peace and happiness in nature. He enjoyed spending time in local metro parks, appreciating the outdoors, and staying active. A lifelong soccer enthusiast, he loved playing the game and sharing that passion with others, and coached youth soccer teams in Lakewood. Known as a hard worker in every aspect of life, Walter embodied discipline, integrity, and quiet strength.
Dr. Walter M. Duval will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his remarkable professional legacy, and his steady, compassionate presence. He leaves behind a lasting impact on all who knew and loved him.
Visitation will be held at Sunset Memorial Chapel, 6245 Columbia Road, North Olmsted, Ohio 44070 on Sunday, April 12, 2026 from 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be held at Sunset Memorial Chapel on Monday, April 13, 2026 at 10:00 a.m., with burial to follow at Sunset Memorial Park, North Olmsted, Ohio.
The funeral service will be livestreamed. Viewers can attend virtual by going to the "Tribute Wall" under the obituary on the Sunset website and selecting the "Dr. Walter M. Duval Funeral Service Livestream" picture link, or by visiting: https://together.oneroomstreaming.com/SunsetMemorialParkChapel2/dr-walter-m-duval/2H38ZR/welcome
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Walter’s honor to https://everloved.com/life-of/walter-duval/
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