Peter J. Vadney

Peter James Vadney, 90, of Guilderland, passed away peacefully at home on July 7, 2025. Peter was born on April 18, 1935. He was the youngest son of Catherine (Pinion) and Edward Vadney and was a lifelong resident of the Albany area.

As soon as he was able, Peter proudly enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, and served in Korea during hostilities. He was a reconnaissance swimmer, had a sharpshooter qualification and was honorably discharged with the rank of corporal. Upon returning home, he held various jobs, including owning Knapp’s Tavern, before building a successful career as a welder in the Dockbuilders LU 1456. His work can be seen across the Capital Region, most notably on local bridges and the Empire State Plaza. His legacy as a skilled tradesman lives on in two of his sons, who followed in his footsteps and also became Dockbuilders. For a while, they all worked together as “Vadney and Sons.”

In 1958, Peter married the love of his life, Joyce (Martin), together they raised five children and built a beautiful life in Guilderland. Peter was a devoted family man who cherished time with his children, grandchildren, great-granddaughters, and friends that became family. He was known to those who loved him as Peter, Pete, Uncle Pete, Mr. Vadney, Mr. “V,” Papa, Gump, and Great Papa. He always left the garage door open in case anyone felt like stopping over, but he would regularly respond to hearing the door opening by calling out, “We don’t want any!”

Whether he was flipping pancakes or shaking martinis in the kitchen, telling stories with striking detail, or sitting out by the pool with Joyce and a cold Budweiser, he brought warmth, laughter, and at least a little teasing to every gathering.

Peter loved the Yankees, the Giants and NASCAR. He knew how to solve any problem, big or small. If he didn’t know, he definitely knew a guy, could offer some words of wisdom, or some sort of wise comment.

Birthday’s will never be the same without Peter’s booming voice to lead off the song, but his stories, humor, and unwavering love will live on in all who knew him.

Peter is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Joyce; their children Ed (Carole) Vadney of Delanson, Tracy (Tony) Liguori of Guilderland, Bill (Mary Ellen) Vadney of Seaford, and Jamie (Steve) Pitkiewicz of Guilderland; daughter-in-law Diane Vadney of Malta; grandchildren Dan (Sarah) and David Vadney, Christina (Austin) Rowland, Rachael (Zack) Malison, Anthony Liguori, Peter Vadney, Patrick Burke, Danielle and Timothy Vadney, and Lucy and Billy Pitkiewicz; and great-granddaughters Kenna, Lauren, Adelynn, Penelope, Maia, and Lily. He is also survived by his sister in law Arlene Vadney and many loving nieces.

He was predeceased by his son, Timothy Vadney, his granddaughter Sheryl Vadney, and his parents and siblings.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, July 11th, from 3:00 p.m to 5:00 p.m. at DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, 5216 Western Turnpike (just west of Carman Rd.), Guilderland, NY 12084. A military honors service will follow at 5:00 p.m.

The family kindly asks that no flowers be sent. Instead, memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, an organization close to the family’s heart: donate.lovetotherescue.org