Richard E. Zagata Sr.

Zagata, Richard E. BALLSTON LAKE Richard E. Zagata Sr., 65, of Hubbs Road, died on Saturday, October 20, 2007 at his home with his family by his side. He was born in Ballston Spa and was the son of the late Edward and Josephine Baumgartner Zagata. Richard had owned and operated Zagata's Garage in Clifton Park for more than 30 years. He had worked for the Town of Clifton Park Highway Department from 1989-1992 when he left to work for the Shenen-dehowa School District's transportation department. He has worked there for the last 15 years as a devoted and caring bus driver. Earlier he had worked for the Jonesville United Methodist Church on a part-time basis. He was a member of the CSEA and a member of the Clifton Park Lodge of Elks BPOE # 2466 for more than 25 years. He was a founding member of St. George's Episcopal Church in Clifton Park and has served as an usher for over 46 years. He was a race car fan and a driver of modified and sprint cars up until 2006. Richard was a train enthusiast who enjoyed building his own sets. He is the beloved husband of Laura Walsh Zagata; devoted father of Ronald Zagata and his wife Dona of Adams, Mass., and Richard Zagata Jr. of West Albany; also cherished grandfather of Nathan Zagata of West Albany. Funeral will be held Thursday morning at 9:15 from the Gordon C. Emerick Funeral Home, 1550 Rt. 9 in Clifton Park, thence to St. George's Episcopal Church Clifton Park where at 10:00 a.m. the requiem mass will be said by the Rev. William Hinrichs, Rector. Calling hours will be from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Wednesday in the funeral home. Entombment will be in Memory's Garden, Colonie. Memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice of Schenectady, 1411 Union Street, Schenectady, NY 12306 or to St. George's Episcopal Church 912 Rt. 146 Clifton Park, NY 12065. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Gordon C. Emerick Funeral Home, 1550 Rt. 9, Clifton Park, NY 12065. 518-371-5454.