It is with great sadness to inform the Wayne State University research community that we have lost a dear member of our family, Walter Pociask, associate director in the Office of Environmental Health and Safety, on January 19, 2022.

Wally – as known by many – was beloved by the many people he worked with, and those he served throughout our campus community. His primary responsibility at the university was to manage the proper and legal handling and disposal of hazardous materials and waste throughout the entire campus. He also managed the annual e-waste collection hosted by the university – an important effort to create a sustainable environment focused on reduction and reuse of materials. He served on numerous committees at Wayne State that aim to maintain a safe and hazard-free environment, as well as manage and correct important issues that arise with a focus on the well-being of our campus community.

Wally joined Wayne State University in 2001 in a temporary assignment, and less than a year later, was hired as a manager in OEHS. In 2010, he was promoted to associate director. In addition to his duties in OEHS, he also served as a part-time faculty member in the Geology Department for many years. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in industrial management from Lawrence Technological University.

He is survived by his wife, Susan; son, Ken (Scarlette), and three grandchildren he dearly loved – Abigail, Allison and Jacob. He is also survived by his sister, Nancy Matschekowski and three brothers – Robert, Gary and Tom.

At this time, funeral arrangements are private. Tributes can be made to the family at https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/23746528/walter-j-pociask/wall.

Rest in peace Wally – you will be dearly missed by everyone at Wayne State University.