John D Karpiak

John D. Karpiak, 90

Averill Park - John D. Karpiak, 90, passed away on December 25^th , 2009. Born in Colonie in 1919, John was the son of the late Demian and Matrona Hudak Karpiak. At his age of 9, the family moved from Maplewood to Averill Park. John and the love of his life, his wife Lillian, have lived in Averill Park for 61 of their 62 married years.

John was very proud of his service in the Army-Air force in WWII.. He rose to the rank of Master Sergeant, the highest rank for an enlisted man, and he was in charge of 120 serviceman. John was under the command of Major General George Kenney in the newly formed Fifth Air Force. He was assigned to the 3^rd Tactical Control Group receiving and disseminating information for the control of the air space in and around Australia, the East Indies, New Guinea, and the Philippines. Master Sergeant Karpiak received the Presidential Unit Citation, the Army Good Conduct Medal , the American Defense Service Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Service Medal with 4 Bronze Service Stars, the World War II Victory Medal, and the New York State Conspicuous Service Star.

After serving his country, John worked for American Locomotive in Schenectady, Freuhauf Trailer Company in Albany for 23 years, and retired from the State Department of Transportation after 17 years. John loved playing baseball in his younger years and was scouted by the Chicago Cubs when he was a pitcher. Golf replaced baseball as his favorite sport, and he was able to play for 33 years.

In addition to his wife, John is survived by his daughter, Jane Marx and her husband Dave, Sr. of Averill Park; his grandson, Michael Hastings and his wife Toni of Averill Park; his great grandchild, Andrew Michael; his sisters Mary Foster of Canandaigua, NY and Stephanie (Phil) Karmazyn of Greenwich; his brothers, Nick (Josephine) Karpiak of Vero Beach, FL., Harry (Arlene) Karpiak of Cambridge, and Basil Karpiak of Ancram, NY. John was predeceased by his sisters, Zenovia Walko and Pauline Gachosh; his brothers Peter, Michael, Paul, Dan, Walter, and David Karpiak. John is also survived by many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews.

John and his family are grateful for the friendship and care of Maryann Warner, Kate Stewart, Lisa Danaher, Suzanne Peter, and Beth Brown.

Funeral service will be held Monday, December 28, 2009 at 5:30 PM at the Brunswick Church 42 White Church Lane Troy with Rev. Kate Kotfila , Pastor, officiating.

Relatives and friends may call at the CHURCH on Monday from 3:00 PM - 5:30 PM prior to the service.

Interment will be in Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery Schuylerville.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in memory of John Karpiak to the Community Hospice of Rensselaer County 295 Valley View Boulevard Rensselaer, NY 12144 or Brunswick Church 42 White Church Lane Troy, NY 12180. For a private family guest book and service directions, visit www.brycefh.com.

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