Stephen P Racko

Stephen P. Racko 84 of Schenectady died Thursday evening June 21, 2007 at Ellis Hospital surrounded by his family. Born in Schenectady, he was the son of the late Thomas and Theresa Racko and a graduate of Mont Pleasant High School and Siena College. An Army Air Force veteran of WWII, Stephen worked for the General Electric Company and retired as a Technical Communications Specialist in 1983 after over 30 years of service. He was a member of the G.E. ? century club, a graduate of the G.E. Apprentice Course, Immaculate Conception Church and its choir and the 1st Friday Club. Steve was an avid reader, a fan of solving crossword puzzles and was fond of art, especially sketching. He enjoyed the outdoors, whether tending to his gardens by summer, shoveling snow by winter, or visiting the shoreline of Rhode Island. But his true pride and joy was his family. Steve and his beloved wife, Kay, shared a passion for their children and grandchildren. The countless hours that he spent with his son Tom, sharing hobbies, working on home projects and building things together, were especially rewarding and memorable to him. Steve enjoyed the times that he spent with his daughter, Karen, and her family in Rhode Island. Grandpa loved to attend the school functions of his three grandchildren. He was an ardent fan at their basketball and baseball games. He supported and encouraged them in all aspects of their lives, and loved them dearly. Steve was an outgoing, inquisitive person. He was a familiar face throughout his community, and enjoyed socializing with his large circle of friends. Steve was always concerned with the well-being of others. He was honest and loyal. He was optimistic and steadfast in his faith. Drawing upon his own inner strength and through the unwavering support of his family, friends and faith, Steve faced his illness with a positive attitude and a great courage that was inspirational to all of us who admired, respected and deeply loved him. Stephen is survived by his wife of 46 years Katherine(Hewitt) Racko, two children; Karen Corbett(John) of Portsmouth, RI and Thomas Racko of Johnson City, NY and fianc?' Vita Marie Giunta of Syracuse, three grandchildren; Christopher, John and Matthew Corbett, two sisters Anne mozzarella and S. Helen Shaver both of Schenectady and several nieces and nephews. Stephen was also predeceased by three brothers and three sisters. Funeral services will be held Tuesday morning June 26th, 2007 at 9:15am at Bond Funeral Home, Broadway & Guilderland Avenue, Schenectady, NY followed at 10 am at Immaculate Conception Church, Bradt Street, Schenectady where a mass of Christian burial will be celebrated. Calling hours will be held at the funeral home on Monday evening from 4 to 7 pm. Interment in Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, in Niskayuna, NY. Contributions may be made in his memory to Immaculate Conception Church, 520 Hegeman St., Schenectady, NY 12306 or to Catholic Charities of Schenectady County, 818 Union Street, Schenectady, NY