John Sloboda

Sloboda, John COHOES John Sloboda, 92, of Pulaski Avenue, Cohoes, died Monday, September 12, 2011 at his residence embraced by his loving family. Born in Watervliet, he was the son of the late Onisum and Natalie Lucz-kowiec Sloboda and beloved husband of 67 years to his sweet heart, Helen M. Szygalski Sloboda of Cohoes. John was a lifelong area resident and received his education in the Cohoes schools. He was a World War II Army Air Corps veteran. John was wounded in the attack on Pearl Harbor and he was the recipient of the Purple Heart. John was employed as a carpenter with the Carpenter's Union, Local 99, where he also served as the financial secretary. He was a member of the former Sons of Poland and St. Michael's Community Center. He was an honorary member of the J. E. Zaloga Post of the Albany American Legion. John was a devout communicant of St. Michael's Church in Cohoes. He was devoted to his wife and cherished his loving family. "A man of the world," "Gigi" was a talented gardener, builder and mentor. Each year family and friends would get to share in the bounty he produced in his beloved garden. His love of nature was ever present and he instilled a respect for all God created in his children and grandchildren. A "River" walk with Gigi on exploring the Mohawk River were highlights of summer days on Pulaski Avenue. Coming of age during the Depression, Gigi had a knack for making things last. Consequently, Gigi had a keen interest in the financial markets and enjoyed friendly discussion of the day's events. In addition to his wife, Helen, he is survived by his loving children and their spouses, Beverly and Vincent Santillo of Wolcott, N.Y., Claudia and Peter Osborn of Westfield, N.J., Donna and Keith Walker of Rochester, Janice and John Roche of Clifton Park, John A. and Joanne Sloboda of Poestenkill and Robert and Sheila Sloboda of Pittstown; 20 adored grandchildren; 4 treasured great-grandsons; sister, Olga Dobush of West Sand Lake and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son James Sloboda and brother Andrew Sloboda. Funeral from the Fitzgerald Funeral Home Ltd., 105 Vliet Blvd., Cohoes, Friday morning at 8:30. Mass of Christian Burial from St. Michael's Church at 9 o'clock. Interment will be in St. Michael's Cemetery, Waterford. Relatives and friends are invited and may call at the funeral home Thursday from 4-7 p.m. Those wishing to remember John in a special way may make contributions in his memory to St. Michael's Church, Special Projects, 20 Page Ave., Cohoes, NY 12047.