Martin S. Taraska, 90, of Utica passed away on Sunday, February 1, 2009 in the Heritage Healthcare Center. Martin was born in New York Mills on December 25, 1918 a son of Jan and Agnes (Pezdek) Taraska. At St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church, Utica on March 7, 1956 Martin married Victoria Kalen a blessed union of 32 years until her passing away on February 27, 1988. He was an Army veteran of World War II. Martin owned and operated Taraska Auto Sales in Utica. He was a member of the Edward Bator PLAV Post #21 and the Whitestown Vets Club. Martin is survived by his two sons and daughters-in-law; Christopher and Debbie Taraska, Utica and John and Lisa Taraska, Utica, five grandchildren; Maxine Taraska, Robert Taraska, Susan Redmond and husband Joseph, Kristin Taraska, all of Utica and Lauren Taraska, Syracuse and special nieces and nephew; Dolores Golowski, Patricia Doggett, and Maryann Ouimette, all of New York Mills, and John Golowski, FL. Martin was predeceased by a brother; Matthew Taraska, a sister and brother-in-law; Anna and Mitchell Golowski and his good friend; Tony Damiano. Mr. Taraska's funeral will be held on Thursday, February 5, 2009 at 10:15 from the Heintz Funeral Home, 1517 Whitesboro St., Utica and at 11:00 from Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Utica. Burial will be in St. Stanislaus and St. Casmir Cemetery, Whitesboro. Calling hours at the funeral home are Wednesday from 4-7.