HOLYOKE – Walter J. Gaj, 84, of the Soldiers Home in Holyoke, was Called Safely Home on Saturday, January 18, 2014. He passed into Eternal Life at the Soldiers Home in Holyoke surrounded by the care and comfort of his loving family, his comrades and his wonderful caregivers. He was born in Holyoke on November 20, 1929, a son of the late Walter L. and Florence (Nitcavic) Gaj. He served his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War and attained the rank of Sergeant. He served in the Inchon Seoul Area in Korea and received two Purple Heart Medals, the Presidential Unit Citation and the Korean Service Medal. Following his military service, he served as a New York State Trooper for many years. He leaves his loving sister, Dorothy L. Barrett; his cherished niece, Florence A. Barrett; and his cherished nephews, James W. Barrett and Shawn P. Barrett. A private burial with Military Honors will be held at Saint Stanislaus Cemetery in Chicopee. There are no visiting hours. His funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the St. Pierre – Phaneuf Aldenville Chapels, (413-532-9806), 13 Dale Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. For more details, please visit:www.stpierrephaneuf.com