Charles W Kolak

Charles W. Kolak, 82, of Guilderland, died after a brief illness.Chuck was born in Detroit Michigan in 1932, served in the US Army and graduated from the University of Michigan with a master's degree in civil engineering. After graduation he moved to Harrisburg, PA, where he met his beloved wife of 55 years, Mary Jean (Edwards) Kolak.Chuck and Mary Jean then moved to Guilderland in 1966.He spent his career at the NYS Dept of Environmental Conservation, retiring after 30 years of service.He enjoyed golf and the outdoors, but most importantly, he was a devoted family man who enjoyed spending time with his family above all else. Chuck is pre-deceased by his parents, Bruce and Evelyn Kolak of Michigan.He is survived by his loving wife Mary Jean (Edwards) Kolak of Guilderland, his daughters Karen (Dennis) Lane of Loudonville, Christine (Michael) Peters of Guilderland and Michael Kolak of Colonie, as well as his four grandsons, Ryan Handron, Jason Handron, Michael Kolak, Jr. and Finn Peters.He is also survived by two brothers, Alvin Kolak of Tennessee and Gerald Kolak of Michigan. Calling hours will be held on Saturday, January 31st at the Demarco Stone Funeral Home, 5216 Western Tpk. (Rt. 20) in Guilderland, from 10am to 12noon, with a service immediately following at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Chuck's memory to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis TN. 38105 or online at stjude.org.