Oriskany Falls - Richard L. Palaski, 73, of Oriskany Falls, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 10, 2017, after a brief illness, at Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare Center, New Hartford, surrounded by his loving family. Richard was born June 9, 1944, in Utica, the son of Dominic and Gertrude (Polowski) Palaski. In 1964, he married Gail Mosakowski. Together they owned and operated a small grocery store near St. Peter's Church in North Utica. A longtime resident of Marcy, NY, he worked in construction and for 16 years as the Marcy Highway Superintendent. Richard was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and target shooting. He loved his Harley's and all motorsports. Richard had a deep passion for gardening and took great pride in his roses. He was an active member of St. Joseph's Church in Oriskany Falls and enjoyed helping out in the church. Richard was a thoughtful and caring man; anyone who knew him loved him and that love was returned in kind. Richard is survived by his son, Richard L. Palaski Jr. (& Laurie Maimone), Albany; his sister, Elizabeth Burns, Long Island; his loving companion of the last 21 years, Judith (Zombek) Sefcheck, and her son Jeremy, Oriskany Falls. Richard also leaves relatives from the Palaski, Mosakowski, and Zombek families, as well as many caring friends who will miss him dearly. He is predeceased by his wife of 30 years, Gail Palaski; by his parents, Dominic and Gertrude, and by his brother, Roger. Mr. Palaski's Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, November 18, 2017 at 11:00 am at St. Joseph's Church, Oriskany Falls, where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment in St. Mary's Cemetery will take place privately at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are entrusted to the Heintz Funeral Home, 10 East Park Row, Clinton.