Obituary of Thomas L. Yurkon

Thomas Leo Yurkon, 60, of Woodridge Road, passed away peacefully Monday evening at Danbury Hospital in Danbury, Conn. with his family at his side. He fought a brief but valiant fight with cancer. Born in Amsterdam NY on November 27, 1949, he was the son of the late Leo and Nellie Sakil Yurkon. He was a 1967 graduate of the former Wilbur H. Lynch High School. Tom then began his thirty four year career with the City of Amsterdam, working in many capacities until he retired in 2004. Even though he was an avid Giants and Yankee fan, he was never happier then when he was detailing his car. The greatest gift of all to Tom was spending time with his family, especially his two grandchildren whom he adored. It was a special blessing to be near them this past month. On June 12th 1971 he was united in marriage to the former Catherine Bisignani at Immaculate Conception Church in Johnstown. In addition to beloved wife, his loving family includes his daughter Heather and her husband Michael DiPaola of North Salem, NY; grandchildren; Sarafina Marie and Michael Thomas DiPaola, North Salem; brother; Joseph and his wife Linda Yurkon; sister; MaryAnn Yurkon all of Hagaman; his mother in law; Josephine Bisignani of Johnstown and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated Thursday at 9:15 am at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, 156 East Main St. Amsterdam. Interment will follow in St. Casimir's Cemetery. Calling hours are today from 4-7 pm at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue. In lieu of flowers, it is the family's request that contributions be made in Tom's memory to the Praxair Cancer Center at Danbury Hospital in care of the funeral home office. The family is most grateful to their staff for the kindness and care that they have shown to them and Tom.