STEVE L. KUCZEK

Steve L. Kuczek, 85, entered into eternal rest on November 21, 2010 at the Joan Nicole Prince Residence, his loving family by his side. Steve was born in Amsterdam, NY, son of the late Joseph and Agnes Kuczek. He graduated from Wilbur H. Lynch High School's class of '42 then served in WWII as a weapons specialist and marksman with the M1 Rifle. He was stationed in Central Europe. Mr. Kuczek served Patton's 3rd Army Infantry, receiving several medals for overseas combat. The G.I. bill gave him the opportunity for a college education and Steve received his bachelors degree from Colgate University. A baseball talent, he was selected to the 2nd team All-American at Colgate. He married the former Clara Pikul on July 6, 1946. Steve played professional baseball as a shortstop in 1948-49 for the Boston Braves. He was called up to the majors in the '49 season and connected for a two-base hit off Brooklyn Dodger pitcher Don Newcombe. Steve is one of several players in the record books as having a perfect 1000. batting percentage in MLB. Steve moved to Glenville in 1952. For over 33 years he worked for KAPL, primarily at the Kesselring site in Milton, as a radiation protection technician, retiring in 1985. He was a longtime communicant of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church in Scotia. Steve enjoyed gardening and woodworking. An avid bird watcher, he often made references to friends and family of the many varieties that would feed in his backyard. His beloved Clara died in 2008. He was also predceased by his brothers, John and Mac Kuczek, and son-in-law, William Snyder. Survivors include his children, sons, Douglas (wife Victoria) of Alplaus and Stephen (wife Nancy) of Glenville; daughters, Pamela Snyder of Charlton , Katherine Van Wormer (John) of Rhinebeck and Beth O'Brian (Timothy) of Virgina Beach; nine grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian will be celebrated Wednesday (November 24) at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph's Church, 226 First St., Scotia. Relatives and friends are cordially invited. Calling hours will be today (Nov. 23) at the Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Rd., Glenville, from 5 to 7 p.m. Burial, with honors, will commence Wednesday (Nov 24) at 12:30 p.m. at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Rd. (Town of Saratoga), Schuylerville, NY. Memorials to Joan Nicole Prince Home, 22 Glenview Dr., Scotia, NY 12302 or to Community Hospice. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Glenville Funeral Home of Scotia-Glenville New York. www.glenvillefuneralhome for online remembrances and directions.