Michael J. Paduchak

Obituary of Michael J. Paduchak (KENDALL) A Graveside Service with Military Honors for Michael J. Paduchak, age 91, who died 1/31/2017, will be held WEDNESDAY MAY31 at 9:30 a.m. in Holy Cross Cemetery-Holley. Family and Friends are invited to attend.Mike was born 12/1/1925 in Kendall to Ukrainian immigrants John and Sophia Paduchak. He was the youngest of 4 siblings and the only son. He was born, raised and farmed on the family farm until the age of 88 growing fruits and vegetables. Mike was drafted to serve in WWII, entering the Army on 9/28/1944. After receiving his training in Ft. McClellan, AL, he attained the rank of Staff Sergeant with the Personnel Section of the 7th Infantry, 3rd Infantry Division and served in Germany and Austria. He participated in the Central Europe and Rhineland campaigns and was awarded the Army of Occupation medal, the European Theatre of Operation Ribbon with 2 battle stars, the Combat Infantry badge, the Good Conduct medal, the WWII Victory medal and the Bronze Star. Sergeant Paduchak received his discharge on 6/16/1946, returning to Kendall to receive his high school diploma from Kendall Central School and to work on the 200 acre family farm. In 1957 at the age of 31, he became the Town of Kendall Supervisor and remained in Office for 32 years, (losing in 1967 & 1968 by 7 votes.) He retired at the end of 1991. He was also the youngest chairman for 2 years while serving on the Orleans County Board of Supervisors. Mike served over 40 years on the Orleans Community Action Board, and 30 years on the Soil and Water Conservation Board, where he served as Chairman for many years. Mike was a lifetime member of the Kendall Fire Department with over 50 years of service. Prior to becoming Town Supervisor he served 5 years as President of the Kendall Fire Department. He was also active on the local political landscape. He had made farming and politics his life. He married Marcia Harkness in 1964. Mr. Paduchak was predeceased by his wife Marcia in 1995. He is survived by 2 children: John(Andrea)Paduchak of NH, Nadine(Mike)Hanlon of Kendall, and 4 grandchildren: Marie, Nickolai, Marisa and Michela. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Kendall Fire Department, 1879 Kendall Road, Kendall, NY, 14476 or the NY State Veterans Home, 220 Richmond Avenue, Batavia, NY, 14020.