Mr. Roger A. Palek, Sr., 74, of Utica, passed away on Friday, May 29, 2026, at Oneida Healthcare Center in Oneida, NY.

     Roger was born in Utica on December 8, 1951, the son of John, Sr. and Evelyn (Rusaw) Polak. He was raised and educated in Utica and on the St. Regis Mohawk Indian Reservation. In 1969, Roger was united in marriage to Philippa A. Steppello, beginning a lifelong journey built on love and family. Roger was the original owner and operator of Midland Collision in Utica, where his dedication, craftsmanship, and strong work ethic earned him the respect of many. He also devoted himself to public service, serving as an Oneida County Legislator for the 23rd District from 1982 to 1984 and later as a Utica First Ward Councilman from 1984 to 1996. A man of many talents and interests, Roger enjoyed fishing and was a gifted furniture restorationist who took great pride in working with his hands. He especially enjoyed restoring and working on cars, sharing his skills and passion with those around him. Above all else, Roger treasured his family. His greatest joy in life was spending time with his loved ones, particularly his cherished grandchildren, who held a special place in his heart. Roger was a man of Christian faith.

     Mr. Palek is survived by his beloved wife, Philippa; his two sons and daughter-in-law, Roger A. Palek, Jr. and his fiancée, Tasha Linsell, of Utica, and Phillip and Mikasha Palek of Verona Beach, NY. He also leaves behind his three cherished grandchildren, Phillip, Jr., Adriana, and Lajiana; his brother and sister-in-law, John and Deirdre Polak of Marcy; his sister, Dawn Polak of New York Mills and his brother-in-law, Lou Steppello; along with several nieces and nephews with special acknowledgement to Lori and the Colucci girls. In addition to his parents John and Evelyn, Roger was predeceased by his cherished granddaughters, Felicia and Bianca and his two sisters, Karen Vando and Debbie Greenwell.

     Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to Roger’s funeral mass of Christian burial on Monday, June 8, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mark’s Church, 440 Keyes Rd., North Utica. The family will greet visitors at the conclusion of the funeral Mass. He will be laid to rest in Calvary Cemetery in Utica.

     Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Heintz Funeral Service, Inc., North Utica.