Obituary of John S. Pikul

John ?Jack? S. Pikul, Jr., 74, of Dania Drive, Hagaman died Monday morning at Albany Medical Center after a long illness. Born February 10, 1931 in Amsterdam, New York, he was the son of John S. and Jean Furman Pikul, Sr. He was a graduate of Wilbur H. Lynch High School, class of 1949, and after, attended Clarkson College and later the University of Alabama. Jack was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War, where he served in the 9th Infantry Division. When he finished his military service, Jack worked at his family businesses, Star Bakery and Home Dairy Cafeteria. He was employed for 35 years for the United States Postal Service at the Amsterdam Post Office and retired in 1988, as assistant Postmaster. During his employment at the post office he was a partner at the Cork Hill Liquor and Deli for 5 years. He was a communicant and usher at St. Mary?s Roman Catholic Church in Amsterdam. Jack was a very considerate and caring individual, and will be missed by many. He was an avid Yankee baseball and Jets football fan, and enjoyed fishing, traveling, and his many visits to the casinos. He loved woodworking. On March 19, 1983, he married the former Mary D. Iannotti. Besides his dear wife, he is survived by his; beloved children, Sandra Stephens and her husband Brent of Schenectady, Paul J. Pikul and his fiancé Patches Piasecki of Amsterdam; loving step-children David and Nancy Nicholas of Amsterdam and Eric Nicholas of Rome, New York; his cherished grandchildren, Anthony, Christopher, Paul, Jr., Corleen, and Blues; many aunts, uncles, and cousins also survive. Jack was predeceased by a sister, Mary Jane Blusis. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, June 2, 2005, at 11:00 AM at St. Mary?s Roman Catholic Church, East Main Street, Amsterdam. Private burial will take place in St. Stanislaus Cemetery with full military honors. The family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday from 4 to 7 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to; St. Mary?s Church Development Fund, 156 East Main Street, Amsterdam, NY 12010; Shrine of North American Martyrs, 136 Shrine Road, Auriesville, NY 12016; or to the American Cancer Society, 260 Osborne Road, Loudonville, NY 12211.