Obituary of Edward Zakarka

Edward Zakarka 87, of Elk Street, passed away Sunday morning at St. Mary's Hospital after a sudden illness. Born in Bridgeport, Conn. on May 11, 1921, he was the son of the late Casimir and Ona Kazikaitis Zakarka. He lived in Amsterdam for most of his life and was a graduate of St. Mary's Institute Class of 1940. He then began a long career as a welder, first for ALCO and later for the General Electric Company in Schenectady before he retired in 1982. During World War II, he proudly served his country as a Petty Officer 2nd class aboard the USS Valencia in the Pacific Theater Of Operations, including Okinawa. Ed found time to be active in the community and was a member of the Knights Of Columbus Council 209. He was a lifelong parishioner of St. Casimir's Roman Catholic Church where he served as a Eucharistic Minister, lector and more recently, senior acolyte. An avid Mets fan, Ed enjoyed the classic movies and songs of the 30's and 40's. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, lovingly caring for his beloved wife of over sixty years, the former Leona Pranys until her passing on April 20th of this year. His loving family includes his daughter Christine Zakarka and her partner Sandra Stewart of Kensington, MD.; and son Charles and his wife Mary Zakarka of Wynantskill, NY; grandchildren, Julie Lee Marie, Michael Edward, and Susan Elizabeth Zakarka; a sister in law, Julie Zakarka of Chicago; nieces, Maria Deksnis, Rita Johnson and Denise Bonomo and a cousin, Julie Kuchis. In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by his infant son Phillip, and a brother Albert Zakarka. Services are Thursday at 8:45 am at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, followed by the Funeral Mass which will be offered by Fr. Stanley J. Swierzowski at 9:30 am at St. Casimir's Church. Interment with military honors will follow in St. Casimir's Cemetery. Calling hours are Wednesday from 5-7 pm at the funeral home. Contributions may be made to the Cemetery Fund of St. Casimir's or to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital both in care of the funeral home office.