Albert J. Berecka, 85, of Stittville passed away on Wednesday, August 8, 2012 at the Heritage Rehabilitation Center with his loving family at his side after a long illness. Albert was born in Utica on November 5, 1926 a son of John and Mary (Antanavige) Berecka. He proudly served in the Merchant Marines during World War II. At St. Mary's Church in New York Mills on September 30, 1950 Albert married Stella J. Puch. She passed away on August 27, 1989. At St. George's R.C. Church on April 28, 1991 he married Krystyna (Orszulak) Dziedzic. For many years until his retirement in 1987 Albert was employed with Gauthier Sheet Metal and Consolidated Sheet Metal in Utica. Albert was a parishioner of St. Paul's Church, Whitesboro and a former parishioner of St. George's R.C. Church in Utica. He was also a member of Local #58 Sheet Metal Workers International Association Union and a former member of the Loyal Order of The Moose Lodge #450. Albert is survived by his wife Krystyna who has been by his side taking care of him for the last 5 years, a daughter and son-in-law, Janis and Donald Graves, Marcy, a son and daughter-in-law, Alan and Alice Berecka, Sinton, TX, a step daughter and her husband, Janina and Thaddeus Tobiasz, New York Mills, a step son and his wife, Wlodzimierz and Zofia Dziedzic, Chicopee, MA, eight grandchildren and spouses, Kyle and Andrea Graves, Jason and Chris Graves, Rachael and Bernerd Schaefer, Aaron Berecka, Agnes Dziedzic, Janet Tobiasz, Annette Tobiasz and Melissa Tobiasz, two great grandchildren, Remy and Colin, a sister, Helen Lusky, FL, a sister-in-law, Jane Berecka and nephew, Ed Berecka and a special nephew, John Lusky who was always very helpful to Albert and Krystyna. Albert was predeceased by two sisters, Julia Lusky and Anna Dirda and a brother, Edward Berecka. Mr. Berecka's funeral will be held on Saturday, August 11, 2012 at 10:45 from the Heintz Funeral Home, 1517 Whitesboro St., Utica and at 11:30 from St. Paul's Church, Whitesboro where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Burial will take place in St. George's Cemetery, Whitesboro. Calling hours at the funeral home are Friday from 4-7. Those so wishing may make donations to the Abraham House in Albert's memory. Krystyna would like to extend a loving thank you to Janis and Donald Graves who were always there to help and take Albert and Krystyna to all their appointments.