Paul "Skip" E Desjardins Jr

Guilderland – Paul “Skip” E. Desjardins Jr., 68, passed away at home surrounded by his family on Friday, September 16, 2022 after a long battle with Pancreatic Cancer. Skip was born in Auburn, Maine to his parents, the late Paul E. Desjardins Sr. and Clara Harnden Desjardins. He graduated from Edward Little High School in Maine and attended college in Boston, where he met his beloved wife, Kathleen Veley Desjardins. Skip and Kathy moved from Maine to Albany after they were married in 1975 and together they raised their 2 children, Corey and Rachael. Skip had a long career with Albany Food Machine Company, eventually buying the company and becoming CEO. He was a 15-year member of the Westmere Fire Department, an avid golfer, a Harley Davidson motorcycle enthusiast and an exceptional drummer, playing at several venues as a member of the Maine American Federation of Musicians Local 409. After their retirement he and his wife enjoyed traveling in their RV and spending Winters on the Ocean in Vero Beach, Florida. Paul is survived by his wife of 47 years, Kathleen A. Veley Desjardins; his children, Corey P. Desjardins and Rachael L. Desjardins; grandchildren, Ryan Crowley and Connor Desjardins; his sister, Belinda Ouellette (Neal) as well as many nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, September 25, from 10:30 am-12:00pm at the DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, 5216 Western Tpk., Guilderland. A memorial service will begin at 12:00pm. Skip wished to give a special thanks to his devoted wife, Kathy, who “I never could have made it through this illness without her.” His family would like to thank their friends and family for their generosity and care during this time. A special thanks to Community Hospice for continuous care and support. In lieu of flowers, donations in Paul’s memory may be made to the Animal Protective Foundation, 53 Maple Ave., Scotia, NY 12302.