Submitted by:
John Long
Chief Chaplain

Cresaptown—Calvin Earl “Pete” Walbert, 89, of Cresaptown, passed away on Tuesday, December 28, 2021.

Born in Frostburg, MD, on July 21, 1932, he was the son of the late Pearl (Filer) and William H. Walbert, Jr. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Shirley Ann (Chaney) Walbert, who passed away on November 28, 2018; great-grandson, Eric Puffenbarger; and sister, Juanita Thompson and her husband, Richard.

Pete was a graduate of Allegany High School class of 1950. Following high school, he served his country in the United States Army. While in the Army, he was stationed at Fort Belvoir in Virginia. After being discharged, he was employed at the Celanese Fiber Corporation. He later was employed as a carman at CSX Transportation Company for 43 years, and he retired from that position in 1994. While working at the railroad, Pete provided lunch every day for his fellow employees. In his honor, his friends built a kitchen in the Car Shop, and they named it “Pete’s Roadkill Café.”

Pete was an active member of the Cresaptown Volunteer Fire Department, joining the Company in August of 1955. He served as captain, trustee, vice president, and president of the organization. Currently, he was serving as chaplain of the fire department.

Pete was also involved in the Allegany Garrett Counties Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. He served as president and vice president of the organization. He was the chaplain of the organization for 21 years. As a member of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association, Pete was the assistant chaplain.

Pete was a member of A. Mike Walters Christian Fire Fighters Association, and he served as the association’s chaplain. He was also a member of the Liberty Christian Fellowship in Cresaptown.

Pete is survived by his daughters, Linda D. Wilt and husband, Harry, Susan K. Drury and husband, Leon, and Lisa L. Mauk and companion, Mark Norris; grandchildren, Kevin Walbert and wife, Krista, Scott Puffenbarger and wife, Kelli, Jeremy Athey and wife, Stacie, and twin grandsons, Jonathan and wife, Laura and Joshua and wife, Christa Puffenbarger; great-grandchildren, Megan Scheide and husband, Justin, Bradley Walbert and wife, Sarah, Brooke Cuthbertson and husband, Vinnie, Tyler Puffenbarger, Wesley Athey, Ella Athey, Mason Puffenbarger, Gavin Puffenbarger, and Phoebe Puffenbarger; great-great-grandchildren, Cori and Kade Scheide; and one great-great-grandson expected in April, Calvin; brother, William “Bill” Walbert and wife, Mary Ellen; most importantly, his dog and best friend, Buddy.

Friends will be received at the Scarpelli Funeral Home, P.A., 15205 McMullen Hwy SW, Cresaptown, on Friday January 7, 2022, from 2-9 PM. Liberty Christian Fellowship will conduct their memorial service on Friday at 2PM. The Cresaptown Fire Department will conduct their memorial service Friday evening at 8:00 PM. Funeral services will be conducted at the Cresaptown Volunteer Fire Department on Saturday, January 8, 2022, at 1 PM. Friends will be received at the Fire Hall two hours prior to the funeral service. Burial will take place in Sunset Memorial Park. The members of the Vietnam Veterans Organization Chapter 172 will accord military honors at the cemetery.

In lieu of sending flowers, those wish to honor Pete’s memory may make contributions to the Cresaptown Volunteer Fire Department, 13113 Warrior Dr, Cumberland, MD 21502, or the Liberty Christian Fellowship, PO Box 5522, Cresaptown, 21505.

Pallbearers will be fellow firefighters; Chris Cage, John Pratt, Mike Pratt, Rick Wolford, Carl Rosenberger, Steve Kesner, Sam Glenn, and Jeff Norris.

Condolences may be left at www.ScarpelliFH.com.