Harry Garbera

RICHFIELD SPRINGS _ Harry Garbera, 86, of Millstone Road, passed away on Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 24, 2008, in St. Johnsville Nursing Home, St. Johnsville.
He was born on Aug. 28, 1922, in Stevens Point, Pa., son of the late Ilko and Theodosia Hubjoij Garbera.
A lifelong area resident, he was raised and educated in Schuyler Lake School. A U.S. Army veteran of World War II, he entered in November of 1942 where he served as a cannoneer with the infantry. He was the recipient of the American Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal and World War II Victory Medal. He was honorably discharged on April 2, 1946.
On Oct. 22, 1983, he was united in marriage with the former Barbara Dowd.
For 28 years he worked as a carpenter for Carpenter's Local 129 in Utica, retiring in 1984.
In his leisure time he found great joy in deer hunting, fishing, gardening, repairing small engines and Polish dancing
Mr. Garbera was a member of Hugick, Purcell, Shepard American Legion Post 616, Richfield Springs, and the Disabled Veterans Association.
Harry will always be remembered as a down to earth man. Any conversation with him was straight and to the point, but one always felt his warmth and friendship whenever they were with him. He was a friend to many and will never be forgotten.
Surviving are his wife of 25 years, Barbara; three sisters-in-law, Ann Spytko Garbera of Richfield Springs, Isabel Duncan Krish Garbera of Richfield Springs, Ida Pope Garbera of Herkimer; one brother-in-law, Lee Seamon of Schuyler Lake; along with several nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, great-grandnieces and great-grandnephews.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by six brothers, William, Peter, Michael, John, Thomas, and Nicholas Garbera; four sisters, Anna Valee, Mary Seamon, Julia Skramko, and Katherine Booth; and a very special nephew, John Ganza.
Funeral services will be at 7 p.m. Sunday, in J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home, 40 West James St., Richfield Springs with members of Hugick, Purcell, Shepard American Legion Post 616 Richfield Springs officiating and according military honors. The family will be present in the funeral home to receive relatives and friends two hours prior to the funeral service (5 to 7 p.m.).
Expressions of sympathy may be made with memorial donations to the Hugick, Purcell Shepard American Legion Post 616. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.