ALBANY - Stanley J. Sagaitis, 93, died peacefully Monday November 28, 2011, at Our Lady of Mercy Life Center in Guilderland after a long illness.
"Stash" was born April 16, 1918 to Kazimir and Josephine (Katinus) Sagaitis in Worcester, Ma. but when he was a few months old the family moved to Amsterdam, NY. Stan was married to the late Elizabeth Lorenz for nearly 70 years until her death in 2010.
While growing up in Amsterdam Stan learned his trade of baker, working at various bakeries in the area and in the early 50s owned and operated Al's Pastry Shop in Albany. From there he and Betty operated the Melody Maples Motel at Sharp's Corners in Guilderland while Stan also worked at the Maqua Printing Company in Schenectady. When that closed he worked for the Guilderland Central School District until his retirement.
Stan and Betty moved to Naples, Fl. and lived there as full time residents for 20 years until they returned north in 2004 to be closer to family, they lived at the Avila Retirement Community in Albany.
Though no longer a full time baker Stan was often busy creating beautiful cakes for weddings, birthdays and many other special occasions for family and friends, and whenever his family visited in Florida there was always a huge amount of freshly baked delicious Danish pastry waiting.
But Stan's greatest gift to all who knew him was his ability to share laughter with everyone around him, always telling jokes and finding humor in almost any situation. He made the world a much brighter, happier place with his presence.
Stan was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving during World War 2.
In addition to his wife and parents, Stan was also predeceased by his sister, Edna Slagus.
Stan is survived by his daughter, Kathleen (Jack) Aernecke of Schenectady; his grandson, Matthew (Adriana) Aernecke and his great grandsons, Luke and Devin of Arlington, Mass.
The family thanks the Avila community for their support and friendship and the staff at Our Lady of Mercy for their compassionate care.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 12th at Christ the King Church, 20 Sumter Avenue (Off Western Avenue) in Westmere (Albany). Interment will follow at the Gerald B.H. Solomon National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to the American Heart Association, 440 New Karner Road, Albany NY 12205.