Richard J. Stankus

COLONIE – Richard J. Stankus, 73, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, January 11, 2011 at his home.
Richard was born on May 5, 1937 in Albany and was the son of the late Julius G. and Margaret (Jensis) Stankus. He served in the US Army from 1960 to 1962. He retired as a cable supervisor for the NY Telephone Co. after 36 years. He retired in 1991.
Richard was an active member of the Men's Garden Club of Albany where he was treasurer. He was an avid gardener and music enthusiast and enjoyed traveling. He created and lovingly tended the victory garden at the USS Slater. He was a volunteer with ARC, Whiskers and SCRUFF. He also loved spending time with his family, especially his children and grandchildren.
Richard is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Janice (Ullmann) Stankus; his loving children, Elizabeth (Hugh) Stankus Pittman and his son, Marc (Ruth) Stankus, all of Vermontville, NY; his cherished grandchildren, Harley Stankus and Noah Pittman; longtime step-grandchildren, Christina and Amber Carpenter; his sisters, Veronica Smith of Albany, Frances Russo of Colonie and June Stankus of Schenectady. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He was predeceased by brothers, Alfred, Leo, Julius, Joseph, Lawrence and William "Clem" Stankus.
Funeral services will be held at 9:00 a.m. Saturday at New Comer Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie, then to St. Joseph's Church, Schenectady, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Memory Gardens in Colonie. Calling hours will be held on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Association, 440 New Karner Rd., Albany, NY 12205 or to the Stratton VA Medical Center, 113 Holland Ave., Albany, NY 12208 in memory of Richard J. Stankus.