Mr. Emmett J. Gollegly, age 78, of 75 Barringer Road, Ilion, passed away on Saturday evening, October 30, 2004 at the Mohawk Valley Nursing Home, Ilion. He was born on October 30, 1926 in Utica, a son of the late Emmett P. and Frances (Mahar) Gollegly and was a graduate of Ilion High School. He had been a lifelong resident of this area. Emmett was a veteran of the United States Army, having served our country during World War II. He was honorably discharged on December 4, 1946, and upon relief from active duty held the rank of Private, First Class. His decorations and citations included the Army of Occupation medal, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, and a World War II Victory Medal. On June 5, 1948, Emmett married Audrey M. Stapp in Ilion. Throughout the entire course of their 56 year union, the couple maintained a steadfast commitment to their marriage. Together they shared the daily joys of family and created countless memories of their wonderful life together. Emmett retired in 1985 as a Postal Supervisor for the United States Postal Service in Ilion. He had worked with the Postal service for 34 years and began his career there as a letter carrier. He was a communicant of the Church of the Annunciation in Ilion. Emmett also had a deep devotion to the Ilion Knights of Columbus, where he served currently as a guard, at one time as a financial secretary, and had attained the rank of 4th Degree Knight. He was also a member of the Ilion American Legion post #920, the Marine Corps League of Ilion; and had also served as a Village Trustee in Ilion along with that of Deputy Mayor at one time. Emmett had also served for several years as a Board member with the Herkimer Area Resource Center. A humble man with an easy going disposition, Emmett considered his most important priorities to be his wife, children, and his home. He cared for his loved ones with the utmost attention and concern and worked constantly and selflessly to keep a secure and comfortable home for them. Most recently he could be found at his home feeding the birds in his backyard, a source of relaxation for him. Emmett was always eager to stop down to the Ilion Knights of Columbus to hang with the guys, and spent many pleasurable moments testing his luck with "pull tabs" and lottery "scratch off" tickets. He also loved to wander to the casino as of late, and will always be remebered for his inate story telling ability and his coveted "Irish Jokes." Emmett was an avid sports fan, and loved to cheer on the New York Mets in baseball and the New York Giants in football. He will be dearly missed by his loving family including his beloved wife: Audrey (Stapp); his children: Pamela Griffin & her husband James Bradford of Whitney Point, NY; James M. Gollegly of Daytona Beach, FL; Sherri Morris-Schiebel & her husband Kevin Schiebel of Cedarville; Kevin P. Gollegly and his wife Marlene of Herkimer; and Renee Gollegly of Ilion; 7 grandchildren: Kristyn and Andrea Morris, Jana Moore, Melissa Gollegly, Ian Griffin, and Kyle & Alisha Gollegly; one great grandchild: Skyler Moore; two sisters: Ann Jean Flanagan of Oklahoma City, OK; and Carol Gollegly of Chadwicks; and a sister in law: Helen Gollegly of North Utica; along with many nieces nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents: Emmett P. and Frances (Mahar) Gollegly; and a sister: Helen Urtz, and two brothers: Frank and John "Jack" Gollegly. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday November 2, 2004 at 9:00 Am from the Enea Family Funeral Home, Main Street Between Ilion & Frankfort, and at 9:45 Am from the Church of the Annunciation, West Street Ilion where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Rev. Anthony Barrett, Pastor. Interment will follow in Armory Hill Cemetery, Ilion. Calling hours at the funeral home will be on Monday evening (Tonight) from 5 - 8 PM. Those wishing are asked to consider donations in his memory to the Ilion Ambulance Fund. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. On Monday evening, the American Legion Post #920 of Ilion are asked to gather at the funeral home at 6:30 Pm for services and the Ilion Knights of Columbus will gather at 7:00 Pm for ritualistic service. The family extends their sincere gratitude to the doctors nurses and staff of St. Luke's Memorial Hospital and also to the those at the Mohawk Valley Nursing Home for the kindness and compassion extended. For directions to the funeral home, click the link above.