Obituary of James C. Petraske

James C. Petraske, 99, peacefully went home to his Lord and beloved wife, on August 27, 2018. Born on January 2, 1919, in Rensselaer NY; he was the son of the late Charles and Eliza (Brothers) Petraske.

A Mont Pleasant HS graduate, he went to work for General Electric as a toolmaker and worked his way up to Unit Manager in Gas Turbine Department. He retired from GE after 43 years of dedicated service. 

He proudly served his country in the Army overseas in Germany and Belgium during World War II, as a combat engineer in the US 292nd infantry. His military career continued in the National Guard; solider of the 27th Division —105th Infantry. 

James married the former Madeline Valentino on June 14, 1942. The Petraske’s raised their family in Rotterdam.

James was a skilled electrician; he was employed by Paul Shaffer. In his later years, he worked for Nick Falvo gas station as well as plowed snow. 

An affluent member of society, James was involved in many groups and organizations, including Masonic Lodge 32nd degree; Christopher Yates; St. George’s Chapter #157 as High Priest, St. George’s Council #74, St. George’s Commandry #37 as Commander; Scottish and York Rite; Galway Lake Association; Galway Lions Club where he received Lion of the Year Award; GE Quarter Century Club and Management Association; President of the Mohonasen PTA; and participant of DAV Chapter 88. 

He also volunteered as a coach for Rotterdam Girls Softball and Blind Golfers League. James participated in the American Red Cross’ Meals on Wheels program; he delivered until 90 years old. 

James loved his home on Galway Lake, he was very active in the community, such as Galway Lake Association—he was President of Lake Association for 6 years. He also was the Maywood Grove director and deputy sheriff, as well as chairman of Galway Lake Conservation.

In addition of his community service and involvement, he was an avid hunter, fisherman, golfer and sports enthusiast; he loved his Yankees! Above all, he adored his family.

James was predeceased by his loving wife Madeline, February 20, 2018; as well as his sister, Leona Trotter.

 Survivors include his loving children Charles (Terri) Petraske, Kathy (Richard) DiCaprio, and Lauren (Rayette Johnson) Petraske; five grandchildren: Charles and Madeline Petraske, Richard DiCaprio Jr., Cory (Kerri), and Jason DiCaprio. Great Grandchildren: Weston Sartin, Kaila DiCaprio, Ashtyn, Brody, Carah, Makenna and Karina DiCaprio; Jake, Luke, Evan, Leonardo and Franco Petraske. Great Great Grandsons, Braydon and Cayden Sartin. James also leaves behind numerous nieces, and nephews.
 

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, Aug. 30th from 6 PM-8 PM at Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Rd., Glenville. Funeral Services will be held at the funeral home, Friday August 31st at 10 AM. Entombment with military honors will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery, Colonie.

Donations may be made at Shriners Hospitals for Children—Attn: Office of Development, 2900 N. Rocky Point Dr. Tampa, FL 33607. Online condolences may be made at glenvillefuneralhome.com