Richard E. (Sr) Canastra

Richard E. Canastra Sr., 83, of Duanesburg, Passed peacefully at his home on Tuesday, February 28, 2023.

Richard was born in Worcester, NY, the son of the late Angelo and Mary Thompson Canastra.

Following his graduation from Duanesburg High School in 1957, Richard enlisted in the US Navy. He served honorably and was discharged in 1960. Richard worked for several years with Pratt & Whitney in Connecticut after completing their Aircraft Experimental Machining program. He began working as a Machinist for General Electric in 1964 and completed an apprentice program in 1969. He retired from GE in 1998. Richard also worked part time in many capacities at the Hillcrest Golf Course in Princetown for over 20 years.  Rich loved his family above all else.  After coaching many of his sons’ sports teams earlier in life, Rich could then be found at many of his grandkids sporting events – from track to following his grandsons baseball teams no matter where it took them around the country.  Rich always enjoyed a good family party from his own backyard to various trips with family and friends to vacationing in his home in Port Charlotte, Florida.  Rich enjoyed playing golf, horseshoes and any card game.  He was a lifelong Yankee and NY Giants fan.

Richard is survived by his wife, Charlotte, three sons, Richard E. (Kristen) Canastra Jr. of Ballston Spa, Jeffrey (Sandy) Canastra of Colonie and Brian Canastra of Duanesburg, two brothers, Robert (Harriett) Canastra of California and Roger (Marie) Canastra of Quaker St., five grandchildren, Jeffrey Jr., Mathew, Melissa, Brian and Bianca Canastra and three great grandchildren.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, May 6, 2023 from 1:30 - 3:30 pm.  A memorial service, with military honors, will begin at 3:30.

Burial will be in Grove Cemetery in Delanson, NY.

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