Obituary of Joseph C. Echter

JOSEPH C. ECHTER Latham- Joseph C. Echter, 79, of Latham, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home on Friday September 19, 2008. His loving family was by his side at the time of his passing. Born in Watervliet on October 9, 1928, he was the son of the late Adam and Elizabeth (Rentz) Echter. He was a graduate of Catholic Central High School class of 1947. Joe married the love of his life the former Anna Kapitula on June 3, 1950 and the two have shared a blessed union of love and devotion for over 58 years. Joe served his country proudly in the U.S. Marine Corps during Korean War Era from 1952 to 1954. He and his wife resided in Maplewood for several years and moved to Latham in 1960. He was employed by Matthew Bender in Menands, as a Manager in the Advertising Department for 18 years, a position he retired from in 1987. Prior to that he was a Forman for Bond Bread in Menands for 25 years. Joe was also a member of the North Albany American Legion Post #1610 for 20 years, a Life Member of the Colonie Elks Lodge #2192 for 38 years, the Mended Hearts Chapter 13, Colonie Senior Citizens and St. Ambrose Young at Heart. Joe was a longtime communicant of Our Lady of the Assumption where he was active as an usher and money counter. Survivors in addition to his beloved wife include his son Michael Echter his wife Ginger and their sons Brandon, Dylan and Christian of Randolph, NJ and his daughter Joanne Jones her husband Leland and their daughter Lisa of Durham, NC. Joe is also survived by his sister Dorothy Hagadorn of Cohoes, his brother John Echter of Watervliet as well as several nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews, cousins and many friends. Funeral services will be held on Monday September 22 at 10:00 am at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 498 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Latham where Joes Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. Geoffrey Burke. Relatives and friends are invited and may call on Sunday from 2-6 at the Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, 149 Old Loudon Rd., Latham. Interment will take place with military honors in St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery, Colonie. Contributions can be made in Joes memory to Community Hospice of Rensselaer, 295 Valley View Blvd. Rensselaer, NY 12144, Our Lady of the Assumption Memorial Fund 498 Watervliet-Shaker Rd., Latham, NY 12110 or the American Heart Association 440 New Karner Rd., Albany, NY 12205. For directions, information or to light a memory candle for the family please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com