Obituary of Paul M. Cerkowski, Sr.

Paul Cerkowski, beloved Husband, Father, and Papa, passed away peacefully at home on February 11, 2025, at the age of 85.

Paul was born in 1939 in Troy, NY, to the late Columbia Coreno and Edward J. Cerkowski. 

He grew up on Frog Island while attending St. Paul's Catholic School until 8th Grade. He played baseball, basketball and ran track. And loved Hunting. He was a Mechanicville High School graduate in 1957. 

In 1956, Paul met the love of his life, Angela Natale, at the Cantine in Mechanicville. Together, they shared a lifetime of happiness, laughter, and unwavering support for each other. Their love story was a testament to the beauty of companionship, and the two were inseparable for almost 69 years, creating the large family that both he and his wife were so proud of.

He worked for NYS DMV, West Vaco, and Finch Pryan Paper Mill in his early work days. He spent over 20 years at General Electric, retiring in 2002. Being the busy man he was and unable to sit still, he went on to spend 17 years doing something he absolutely loved. He was a driver at  New Country Toyota for his bonus son Michael Raucci, whom he loved like his own.

Paul was a proud history buff. Always challenging his family to try and beat him during an episode of Jeopardy. He was an avid outdoorsman who cherished the beauty of nature and animals. Whether hunting in the woods, fishing by the water, cruising in his "sharp" cars, or catching the breeze on his motorcycle, Paul found peace in the great outdoors. If he wasn't home or enjoying the outdoors, you could find him buying his scratchies, betting on the horses with his infamous $20.00 doubles, or visiting a casino, where he was a successful Let It Ride card player with close to 30 four-of-a-kinds. We also can't forget his love for the New York Giants, the San Francisco Giants, and Duke Basketball. Some other hobbies he enjoyed were crossword puzzles, bowling, shooting pool, swimming, and vacationing with his family to the ocean.

Paul also found immense joy watching and coaching his children, grandchildren, and their friends' sports. He was their number one fan, always there to cheer them on with pride, knowing that his presence and encouragement meant the world to them. His love for family extended to every game and practice. 

In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his grandchildren, Justin and Dominic. His fur companions, Misty and Callie. His brother Edward, sister in law Sandra. Brother-in-law John Wallace, Nephew Edward Russo.

Paul will be terribly missed by the family he fiercely loved and protected. Survivors, in addition to his loving wife Angela, include his beloved Children Paul ( Barb) Cerkowski, Stephen ( Rita) Cerkowski, and Susan ( Frank) Bolesky, all of Mechanicville. Cheryl ( Demetrio) Carbonaro of Troy and Scott (Shannon) Cerkowski of Schuylerville. His cherished Grandchildren Ryan (Rosanne), Joshua ( Marissa), Nichole ( David), Jessica (William), Stephanie, Alexis ( Gavin), Demetrio ( Lauren), Dylan, and Devin. As well as 9 Great Grandchildren whom he adored, Rose, Cameron, Roman, Jillian, Weston, Raine, Evelyn, Gio, Bria, and the minions. Sister-in-Law Filomena Wallace, Nieces Deborah (John) Stewart, and Kimberly Russo, and their families. And many cherished cousins and friends. 

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Attn: Memorial / Honor Program 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105-1942

Calling hours will be from 11:00 am -2:00 pm Saturday in the Gordon C. Emerick Funeral Home, 1550 Rt. 9 Clifton Park, New York 12065.

Interment will be in St. Paul’s Cemetery, Mechanicville, NY.