John S. Kolach

Albany-John S. Kolach, Sr., 91, died Tuesday, April 22, 2014 in the Hospice at Memorial Hospital of natural causes. Born in Albany, he was the son of the late Martin and Marianna Lapiesz Kolach. John is the loving husband of Catherine M. Reinhart Kolach, whom he married August 19, 1951. He is the very proud and loving father of Judy M. Fargione and the late Vincent A. Fargione, Sr and John S. Kolach Jr and his wife Pauline. Cherished grandfather of Vincent A. Fargione, Jr, Catherine M. Gardner (Wesley), John S. Kolach, III and Marianna R. Kolach. Brother of Stanley Kolach (late Margaret), Frances Kazmierczak (late John) and Joseph Kolach. Brother–in-law of Alfred and William Reinhart. At age 9, John and his family moved to Poland where he was raised and attended college for electrician training. He returned to the United States in 1947 and was drafted into the US Army in 1948. John proudly served as a member of the 82nd Airborne Unit, also seeing duty in Okinawa and Japan, 76th Construction Battalion. He was employed by Niagara Mohawk and Allegheny Ludlum Steel Co., Watervliet, NY for 35 years as a Millwright. After retirement, never one to sit still, John became a seasonal employee for the New York State Division of Tax and Finance until April 2007. Wherever he went, John made many friends. John was an avid Yankee fan, visiting the stadium many times. Working was his hobby. He also liked spending time with his family attending all their sports activities and musical performances. Many of his grandkids friends also called him “Dziadzi.” One of his greatest pleasures was a good cup of coffee with his family at Panera. John was also an avid walker at Colonie Center with his buddies. John was a communicant of Blessed Sacrament Church since 1955. He was an usher at church, member of the Holy Name Society, and also volunteered at the church bingo and bazaar for many years. His friends would say what a kind, sweet, and gentle man he was, always willing to help anyone. He will be missed dearly. John’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the nurses and aides at Memorial Hospital Hospice unit for all their professional and personal care given to Dad. Funeral services Saturday, April 26, 2014 at 9:45 am from McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen Street, Albany thence to Blessed Sacrament Church, Albany at 10:30 am where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Relatives and friends are invited and may call Friday, April 25, 2014 3:00 to 7:00 pm in the funeral home. Interment Our Lady of Angels Cemetery. Those wishing to remember John in a special way may send a contribution to the John and Louise Bradley Scholarship Fund, c/o Fr. John Bradley, 607 Central Ave., Albany, NY 12206. To leave a special message for the family, obtain directions or view other helpful services, please visit www.McveighFuneralHome.com

Tributes

John S. Kolach

December 26, 1922 - April 22, 2014