MECHANICVILLE - Joseph “Jake” Urkevich, 94, of West St., Riverside, died Sunday evening, July 17th at Barnwell Nursing Home, Valatie, after an extended illness.
A native and lifelong resident of Mechanicville, born Aug. 14, 1921, son of the late Peter and Lena Urkevich. A veteran of WWII, Jake served with the US Army in France and the Rhineland, during its march to Germany. Jake received a Bronze Star and Purple Heart for combat wounds, and was discharged following Germany’s surrender.
An employee for 31 years at the former West Virginia Pulp and Paper Co. in his hometown, Jake then worked as a janitor for the Mechanicville School District, also Norton Co. and last as landfill operator for the Town of Stillwater.
He was a member of the Lefco Post 1644 American Legion of Riverside.
The game of golf played a large part of Jake’s life, starting as a young caddie at the Mechanicville Golf Club, later as a well known player, a rare left hander back in those days, and was a former McVille Golf Club Champion. For many years, Jake would be seen at the course, helping golfers young and old with their game. He loved GOLF.
His wife of 69 years, Marion Stiles Urkevich died this past January 23rd.
Surviving are his beloved 8 children: Joseph (Kathleen) of Ballston Spa, Nancy (Jan) Satterlee of Melrose, Robert of Malta, Daniel of Mechanicville, Gary (Julie) of Pittstown, Jeffrey (Terry) of Atlanta, Larry (Debbie) of Melrose and David of Schuylerville, along with 9 grand and 1 great granddaughter, nieces and nephews.
Jake was also predeceased by his sisters Lena Johnson and Sophie Rivers and brothers John, Michael and Frank Urkevich.
A Funeral Service will be held on Friday at 10:30 AM at the DeVito-Salvadore Funeral Home, 39 So. Main St., Mechanicville. Burial with military honors to follow at the Saratoga National Cemetery.
Calling hours at the Funeral Home on Thursday evening from 4-7 PM.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to a charity of one’s choice in memory of Joseph “Jake” Urkevich.

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