Obituary of James R. Newkirk

James R. ?Duke? Newkirk, 67, of Stratton Apartments, Amsterdam, passed away Wednesday morning March 7, 2007 at St. Mary?s Hospital in Amsterdam. Born in Amsterdam, New York on February 9, 1940 the son of James and Doris Warner Newkirk. He was a lifelong resident of the Amsterdam area living in Amsterdam, Ft. Hunter and Ft. Johnson, New York. He attended Amsterdam schools including former Wilbur H. Lynch High School. He was a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran serving from 1959 to 1964. He was employed for many years as a machinist in the turbine division at G.E. in Schenectady and retired from there. He married Lenora Mulchy Newkirk in August of 1989. She passed away on July 9, 2002. Mr. Newkirk was a Member and Past Commander of the John J. Wyszomirski Post #701 in Amsterdam and was also a member of the 40 et 8. He was also a member of the P.A.V. and the Irish American Club. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a friend to all. Survivor?s include; One Daughter, Laurie Tesiero of Nassau, New York. One Sister, Doris Bowers of Georgia, One Brother, Norman Newkirk, E. Islip, Long Island. Three Step-Daughters; Kathleen Oliver of Manasses, Virginia; Joan Denton of Fultonville, New York; Nancy Pileggi of Idaho and One Step-Son, Patrick Mulchy of Amsterdam, New York. A Grandchild; Gianina Tesiero. Step-Grandchildren; Molly Mulchy-Wilson, Jessica Mulchy, Adam Mulchy, Casey Dalaba, Jerry Dalaba, Marci Denton, Shane Denton, Justin Mulchy, Maria Pileggi, A.J. Pileggi and Scott Pileggi. Great Grandchildren and cousins also survive. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, March 12, 2007 at 3:00P.M. at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Ave, Amsterdam, New York. Interment will be in the Gerald B.H. Soloman Saratoga National Cemetery. The family will receive relatives and friends on Monday, March 12, 2007 prior to the funeral service beginning at 2:00P.M. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer Memorial contributions be made to the Spina Bifida Association, 109 Spring Road, Scotia, New York 12302 and Charity of One's Choice.