McCormack, Matthew J. Sr. VALLEY FALLS Matthew J. McCormack Sr., 72, of Valley Falls took his place in Heaven on Thursday, August 4, 2016, following a brief illness. Born October 17, 1943, in Albany, he was the son of the late Thomas and Helen McCormack. Matt was a kind, gentle soul whose greatest joy was his family. Matt worked for General Electric Co. in Waterford, retiring after more than 43 years of service. He was a member and past president of the G.E. Quarter Century Club. He actively volunteered in his community. He was past fire chief and member of the Valley Falls Fire Department, a life member of the Hoosic Valley Rescue Squad and past president, director and member of the Rensselaer County Fire Chiefs Association. Until his passing, Matt was a member of the Albany County Volunteer Fire Association and Volunteer Fire Judging Association. Matt also worked several part-time jobs in retirement, but especially enjoyed working for Sure-Seal at Momentive Performance Materials and also working as a chauffeur for All Occasions Limo. Matt worked hard his entire life to provide and care for his family. He loved his wife with all his heart. It was readily apparent to anyone who saw them together. He was extremely proud of his children and enjoyed spending time with them. While his children were growing up, he volunteered with the Boy Scouts of America. For him, a great day was one spent with his sons boating, fishing, camping or attending a Valley Cats game. He was a kind, caring and generous man. He could be counted on to offer advice, acceptance and unconditional love, which he never grew tired of sharing. Matt loved to strike up a conversation and his sense of humor was shared with all who came to know him. He lived his life to the fullest with grace and courage. In addition to his beloved wife of 49 years, Joan (Koch); Matt is survived by his two sons, Matthew McCormack Jr. of Valley Falls and Kevin (Michelle) McCormack of Glenmont; sisters, Joan McCormack of Guilderland and Maryhelen (Steven) Culver of Wynantskill; sisters-in-law Ruth (Edward) Fox of Valley Falls and Susan (Michael) Cramer of Ballston Spa; and brother-in-law George Koch of Brunswick. He was predeceased by his brother, Thomas (Joan) McCormack of Albany; and sister Bernice (James) Caldwell of Forest, Va. He was adored by many nieces, nephews, and friends. Relatives and friends may call from 4-7 p.m. on Monday, August 8, 2016, at the Chase-Smith Family Funeral Homes, 173 Main St., Schaghticoke. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Transfiguration Parish, Main Street, Schaghticoke. Burial will follow in Waterford Rural Cemetery, Waterford. Memorial donations may be made in his memory to: FASNY Firemen's Home, Operation Small Change in memory of Matthew McCormack, Firemen's Home, Attn: Administration, 125 Harry Howard Ave., Hudson, NY 12534, or to the American Cancer Society , P.O. Box 7, East Syracuse, NY 13057. Online remembrances may be made at chasesmithfamily.com.

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