Joseph John Berdar "Poppy Joe"

Cohoes, NY Joseph John Berdar “Poppy Joe” died suddenly on November 12, 2019 surrounded by family and friends. Born January 3, 1929 he was a lifelong resident of Cohoes NY. He was fondly referred to as Poppy Joe by all who knew him. He was one of five children born to the late Anthony and Sophie Rubinski Berdar. He is predeceased by siblings Anthony, Clara and Constance. He was married to the late Rita Gierka Berdar in 1948 and enjoyed 48 years of love, marriage and casinos together. Joseph is survived by his sister, Sister Cecilia Berdar CR and brother in-law Eugene Gierka. Joseph was a loving father to five children, Gail (Andrew) Fusco of Pompano Beach FL., Paula (John) Colozza of Cohoes NY, David (Nel) Berdar of Waterford NY, Janet (Nancy) Berdar of Queensbury NY and Daniel (Kristen) Berdar of Clifton Park NY. Also survived by grandchildren, Kristen Britt, Amy Fonda, Katelyn, Ryann, Lauren, Jessica, Daniel and Jason Berdar four Greatgrandchildren, Dawson and Carley Britt, Hayley and Jordan Fonda. Joseph was a graduate of LaSalle Institute in Troy NY. He owned and operated Berdar’s Auto Service a family business for over 50 years retiring in 1998. He was ahead of his time in electronic auto engine diasgnostics, “ little bad, all bad, same price”. He was a lifelong member of Saint Michael’s Church in Cohoes and the oldest member of the Marconi Social Club. He loved the outdoors, riding his tractor , mowing his lawn, tending to his flowers and displayed a passion for splitting wood. He loved all of nature and fed the squirrels and birds daily. He also loved boating, campfires and especially spending time with family. He was the consummate good neighbor and served as the Home Depot for all who needed to borrow anything. Joseph touched the lives of many with his smiles and invitation to embrace his friendship ; call me Poppy. He maintained his trademark sense of humor all the way to the end. Funeral services will be held Friday at 6pm from St. Michael’s Church 20 Page Ave, Cohoes. Calling hours are from 4-6 at St Michael’s church prior to services. The family would like to give a special thanks to Donald McLaughlin, Laurie Fregeau and all the caregivers that comforted him. In lieu of flowers donations in Joseph Berdar’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis TN 38105

Joseph John Berdar "Poppy Joe"

January 3, 1929 - November 12, 2019