MECHANICVILLE - Sylvester L. “Junior” Festa, Jr., 88, of Elizabeth St, died Thursday, June 8th, at St. Mary’s Hospital, Troy, after being stricken at home.
A native and lifelong resident of Mechanicville, born Sept. 20, 1928, he was son of the late Sylvester and Margaret Forino Festa, Sr.
Junior was a car inspector with the Delaware and Hudson Railroad retiring in 1985. Previously he had worked for the General Electric, Ludlow Valve and the former American Locomotive.
Always keeping himself active in his community, Junior was a former officer and bar chairman of the Italian Fraternal Society, and was a leader in the Feast of the Assumption August 15th celebrations in his City. Junior enjoyed playing Bocce ball and darts at the Club. He was also a member of the American Legion.

Card playing and scoping out the horses at OTB were fun things he looked forward to.
He and his brother never missed their 11 AM daily meeting at the “Greek’s” to solve the world’s problems one horse race at a time. But most of all, he loved to spend time with his family.

A communicant of Assumption-St. Paul Church and its’ Holy Name Society, Junior was a loving parent, brother, grandfather, great grandfather and uncle to many nieces and nephews, and will be forever missed. Another personal thread of his home town, which makes this City unique, has been taken away from us, and will be forever missed.
His wife of 55 years, Rita Lyons Festa died in 2009 and also his son Anthony D. Festa of Ballston Spa in 2015 predeceased him.
Survivors include his loving son Louis (Kathy) Festa of Mechanicville, daughter-in-law Mary Lou Festa of Ballston Spa, grandchildren: Robert, Paul (Nicole), Anthony Festa and Lisa (Bill) Dorman, great grandchildren Kaylee, Vincent and Mila Rose. Also his loyal brother Anthony Festa of Mechanicville, along with a number of nieces, nephews and their families.

Junior was also predeceased by sisters Rose (Al) Perrotta, Carmella (Michael) D’Amico, Helen (Edward) Isabella, brother Patrick and sister-in-law Marie Festa.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday at 11 AM at All Saints on the Hudson Church, 121 No. Main St., Mechanicville, with burial in St. Paul’s Cemetery.
Calling hours at the DeVito-Salvadore Funeral Home, 39 So. Main St., Mechanicville on Sunday from 3-6 PM.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, PO Box 96011, Washington DC, 20090-6011.

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