Joseph B. MacFarland

MacFarland, Joseph B. LATHAM Joseph B. MacFarland, 88, died Thursday morning, December 13, 2007 at St. Peter's Hospital. Born August 21, 1919, to Sarah A. Russell, Joseph was a graduate of Albany High School, and a dedicated member of the Philologia Literary Society. He was a voracious reader throughout his life, and preached to his children and grandchildren that reading would help them achieve an education that he was denied by circumstance. He was an Army veteran of World War II, achieving the rank of sergeant, and served in the European Theatre in England, Belgium, Egypt and France. While in the Signal Corps, stationed in France, he met the love of his life, Madeleine Leroux, who he married and adored during their nearly 55 years together. He was a member of American Legion Post 1256, and a steadfast contributor to many veteran's organizations. Joseph was employed by the Western Electric Co. for 41 years, and enjoyed traveling to telephone offices throughout New York, making many friends along the way. In retirement, he enjoyed simple pleasures, including gardening, but most especially spending time with his grandchildren, who, while shopping, he taught to look for items marked on sale, believing that frugality was one of life's great virtues. Joseph was a longtime member of the St. Andrew's Society of Albany, and was never more proud than when attending St. Andrew's Nicht dinner celebrations with his four sons. A Scotsman, he spent extensive time researching his family genealogy, looking for connections to his past that were so important to him. He was an avid sports fan, especially of the Boston Red Sox, and maintained loyalty to all of his favorite teams even when they struggled. Joseph was predeceased by his wife "Mady," who he missed every day for the past 7 1/2 years. He is survived by son, Andrew (Aida) of Oman; son, Phillip (Annie) of Wellesley, Mass.; daughter, Elizabeth (Marshall) of Sylvania, Ohio; son, James (Lisa) of Glenville; and son, Joseph B. MacFarland III of Latham, who has enriched all of his family's lives beyond measure, and was his father's constant companion and salvation during his difficult later years. Joseph is also survived by many grandchildren, who were "like a tonic" to him, Morgan, Kate, Natalie, Deia, Trevor, and Rachel. He loved them all so much. Special appreciation to Denise Cashmere for the many years of love and fine food she gave "Mac." Joseph was also predeceased by sister Marjorie and brothers Gordon, Paul and Donald. Thanks to Donald's children Susan, husband Ed; Janis, husband Bob; and Paul, wife Diane, for treating Uncle Joe so well, so often. Special thanks also to Dad's nurse, caregiver, and friend, Dawn Moss, whose loving care allowed Dad and Jody to enjoy the quality of life they desired for the past few years. Also, thanks to Dr. Robert Busch, whose efforts on Dad's behalf were both extraordinary and effective. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, December 18, 2007, 10 a.m., at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Watervliet Shaker Rd., Latham, followed by burial in Memory's Garden. Contributions in memory of Joseph may be made to New Visions (formerly Albany ARC), 334 Krumkill Road, Slingerlands, 12159.