Joseph B. Praga

Colonie- Joseph B. Praga, 91, beloved "Poppy" to his family and many friends, died Saturday, July 8, 2006 at home. Mr. Praga was a U.S. Navy Veteran of World War II and Korea, a member of the Naval Armed Guard and a Purple Heart recipient. Retired from Local 12 International Boilermakers Union, Joe worked many years for the Town of Colonie with the Public Safety Department. A life member of the Fuller Road Fire Department and member of the Fire Police, he was also an active member of the Colonie Village Herbert B. Kuhn Senior Citizens Center, as well as a faithful parishioner of Our Lady of Mercy Church.
Devoted husband of more than 60 years to Adria Dyer Praga, he was the son of the late Salvatore and Raffaela Alvaro Praga. Joe is survived by his daughters Judy Dober (Steve Nilsen) of Gansevoort, Sandy (Robert) Coulter of Niskayuna and Lyn (Thomas) Tobin of Colonie; grandchildren Robert (Daniela), Michael (Krysten) and Colleen Coulter; Erinn and Meghan Tobin; great-granddaughter Lily Coulter; brother Albert Praga; sister Anna Praga and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his brothers Mark, Anthony, Carmello and Frank Praga. Joe will forever be remembered for his love and devotion to family.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 8:30 AM at New Comer-Cannon Family Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie (Rt. 155-south of Central Avenue), then to Our Lady of Mercy Church in Albany where a Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 9:30 AM. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at the funeral home. Interment will be in St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands. Those wishing to remember Joe in a special way may send a contribution in his memory to The Firemen's Home, 125 Harry Howard Avenue, Hudson, New York 12534.