Francis "Happy" Mctague

WATERVLIET - Francis Hugh "Happy" McTague, 89, passed peacefully of natural causes on November 4, 2013. Born May 6, 1924 to Hugh and Ellen (Quinlan) McTague, Happy was an athlete who excelled in baseball and softball, enjoyed golf, snowmobiling and boating. He was also a consummate Boston Red Sox fan.

Francis enlisted to serve in World War II in 1941. A WT2 "Tin Can Sailor" aboard the destroyer USS Chevalier until it's sinking in the Battle of Vella Lavella in October 1943, Sailor McTague finished his service to this nation aboard the USS Rowe, returning to marry his late wife, Esther (Finkle).

He was a past commander and life member of the Watervliet VFW Post 729 and a past member of the American Legion and Elks organizations, as well as a communicant of the Blessed Sacrament Church in Albany.

Perhaps best known for his operation of Happy's Coach House in New Salem, Happy also made a living serving as an Albany motorcycle police officer and owner of an excavating and trucking business, completing his working career as a successful spirits salesman with Capitol Liquor Distributors.

Happy is predeceased by his parents and wife.

He is survived by his son Patrick McTague and his wife Esther of Warrensburg, NY; his daughter Kathleen Wilson and companion Chet Moskal of Clearwater FL; his son Martin McTague and wife Lynn of Rotterdam, NY. He is also survived by his grandchildren Michael McTague of Hudson Falls, NY; Ryan Rapp of Los Angeles, CA; Andrew McTague of Thurman, NY; Daniel McTague and his wife Jessica of Glens Falls, NY; Kyle McTague of Albany, NY; Tyler McTague and Shannon McTague of Rotterdam, NY. Chase and Parker McTague of Glens Falls, NY also survive their great-grandfather.

Thanks are sent to the Stratton VA Hospital from the family, especially to Dr. Sohal, Dr. Uppal and Dr. Phillips and the staff of the 9th floor Hero's Way Hospice Unit for their exceptional care and compassion for Happy. Surviving family also extends appreciation to Hap's good friend Jean Aviza and her family for their love and support for our father.

Contributions in Happy's memory can be made to the Green Island Senior Center at 5 George St. Troy, NY.

Friends may call on Thursday, Nov. 7th from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the New Comer Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie.

Funeral services will be on Friday at 9:00 AM at the funeral home, then to Blessed Sacrament Church where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM at 607 Central Avenue. Inurnment will be at the convenience of the family.