Obituary of Joel J. Havlicek

Burnt Hills - Joel J. Havlicek, 82, passed away peacefully at home on May 7, 2016, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Johnstown, NY on July 7, 1933 to the late Joseph H. and Ruth E. (Wilbur) Havlicek. As an only child, he was lovingly called "Sonny" by his parents. Joel was a graduate of Johnstown High School, class of 1951. Upon graduation he enrolled in the G.E. Apprentice Course, becoming a draftsman. The majority of his time with G.E. was spent in engineering at the Knolls Atomic Power Lab, from which he retired in 1993, after 40 years with the company. Joel was a G.E. Apprentice Alumni and a member of the G.E. Quarter Century Club, Elfun Society and an honorary member of the Guan-Ho-Ha Fish and Game Club. Joel married his loving wife Carol on May 25, 1974 in Amsterdam, NY. Together they built a home, raised a family, traveled, enjoyed great times with friends, and in most recent years found joy spending time with and caring for their grandchildren. Joel enjoyed life. He was passionate about the outdoors. From a young age he enjoyed hunting, camping, fishing, boating and loved spending time on Sacandaga Lake, where his family still gathers every summer. A very handy man, Joel took pride in his home and his tools, of which he had two of every kind. He enjoyed carpentry, welding, gardening and welcoming friends with a seat and a drink on his front porch. Joel is survived by his devoted wife of 42 years, Carol (Crucitti) Havlicek. Joel also leaves behind five children, Jo-An Havlicek, Gary Havlicek (Brigitte) and Karen Havlicek-Dwyer all of Johnstown, Michele Black of Scotia and Jennifer (David) Moen of Saratoga Springs. He was blessed with eight grandchildren, Elizabeth and Emily Havlicek, Courtney Dwyer, Taylor and Kendall Black, and Chase, Trevor Joel, and Parker Moen. He is also survived by his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Marilyn and Anthony Messineo, nieces and cousins, and will be missed greatly by his furry companion, his lap cat, Simon. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, May 11, 2016 from 4pm to 8pm at Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Rd., Glenville, NY. A memorial service will be held on the morning of Thursday, May 12, 2016 beginning at 10:30am at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of Joel to the Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, or to an organization of choice. If you wish to express your online condolences or view the obituary, please visit our website at www.glenvillefuneralhome.com.