Herkimer: Mr. William F. Paslak, 81, of Malcolm Street, Herkimer, passed away at home, with his loving family at his side, on Tuesday, December 27, 2011. Mr. Paslak was born on June 20, 1930 in Amsterdam, NY, a son of the late Charles and Mary Paslak. Bill lived the greater part of his life in Herkimer, and was a graduate of Herkimer Schools. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1949 during the Korean Conflict, and was honorably discharged in 1952. He then spent time in the National Guard. He served with Company C, 50th Maintenance Battalion, Mohawk Armory, and Company D of the 42nd Maintenance Battalion, Utica, retiring after many years of service. On September 25, 1954, he and Betty Miller entered into marriage, enjoying over 57 years together. Bill worked for General Electric, MDS and Remington Arms for many years, retiring in 1990. He was a bus driver for the Herkimer Central School District, and also volunteered his time and talents as a MOVAC dispatcher. Bill was an active Sts. Anthony and Joseph Church parishioner, and previously served on its Parish Council. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and was a past Grand Knight. Bill was extremely active in the community and was a member of several religious, civic and armed forces organizations. In fact, in 2000, he was named the Veterans of Foreign Wars Good Citizen of the Year. He was retired from the Army National Guard. He was a member of the Army Sergeants Club and one of the founding members of the Army Old Timers Club. Bill was a Cub Scout and Boy Scout Leader. He was a member of the Ilion Moose Lodge and Michael S. Pliseck Post 4915 VFW. He was also a member of the East Herkimer Fish & Game Club, where he was rental chairman for several years. He was a volunteer firefighter for the Excelsior Hook and Ladder Company and the Herkimer Volunteer Fire Department. He also volunteered his services as the Herkimer-Mohawk Food Pantry Coordinator, and as such, was involved in arranging the pantry's current location. Of all the charitable and civic activities that Bill was involved in, the food pantry was Bill's passion. He devoted many, many hours to assist the needy of Herkimer and Mohawk. Bill was a member of the Herkimer County Hunger Coalition and RSVP of Catholic Charities. He was a member of the Mohawk Valley Amateur Radio Club, operator call sign KC2AWJ. As a ham radio operator, he participated in the Pumpkin Patch Patrol and other various civic functions. With all that Bill was involved with, he also enjoyed woodworking, gardening, and camping in the Adirondacks with his family and friends. Mr. Paslak leaves his loving wife, Betty, sons, William C. Paslak and his wife Cindy of McAllen,TX and James A. Paslak and his wife Megan of Manteca, CA daughters, Diana M. Garley of Herkimer and Donna L. Collins and her husband David of Millers Mills, along with grandkids, Ryan Collins and Meghan Milewski of Tully, NY, Daniel and Kayla Collins of San Diego, CA (Dan is in the US Navy and is deployed aboard the USS Carl Vinson), Kaitlin Collins of Millers Mills, Jason and Karen Paslak of Broken Arrow, OK, Amy Paslak of Chicago, IL,Hannah Paslak of Manteca, CA and Sean William Paslak, of McAllen, Texas. . He also leaves numerous nieces and nephews. His parents and sister, Bernice Paoni, and step brother John Jackamorch predeceased him. Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects on Monday, January 2, 2012 from Noon until 4 pm at the Enea Family Funeral Home, 220 N. Washington Street, Herkimer. Anyone requiring transportation to the funeral home is asked to call the funeral home at 866-1011. Mr. Paslak's funeral, with military honors, will commence at the conclusion of calling hours, at 4pm, officiated by the Reverend Alfred A. Lamanna. Jeff Sweeney and John Webster of the Mohawk Valley Frasers Pipe Band will provide bagpipes. Burial will take place privately in Oak Hill Cemetery. There will be a gathering at the Herkimer VFW immediately following the service, and all are cordially invited. The following organizations are asked to meet at the funeral home on Monday, January 2, 2012, to offer their ritualistic services at the following times: VFW - 3pm, Knights of Columbus - 3:30 pm. In lieu of floral offerings, kindly consider a donation in Bill's memory to the Herkimer-Mohawk Food Pantry, 104 N Washington Street, Herkimer, NY 13350. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Kevin E. Enea, Funeral Director, is caring for the family. To add to Mr. Paslak's online memorials, please visit our website at www.eneafamily.com on the internet.