It can be difficult to focus on the true meaning of Christmas while being overwhelmed by the commercialism and the greeting of “Happy Holidays”, that too often represent Christmas today. The birth of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior must be our focus. The message of the Good News proclaimed by our Lord and his apostles should guide our thoughts and actions every day of the year.

May the Lord bless you with the gift of His perfect peace this Christmas and a sense of His presence in your heart every day of the New Year!

Mr. Adamko was born on Feb. 2, 1922, in Little Falls, a son of the late George and Pauline Adamko. He was educated in Stratford schools, assisted his parents on their farm in the town of Stark and completed a carpenter apprenticeship. Mr. Adamko enlisted in the United States Army in 1943, serving in the infantry as a sergeant with Company “B” 9th Battalion IRTC during World War II in the European Theatre of Operations. On Sept. 5, 1944, while crossing the Meuse River in Belgium, Michael was taken prisoner by the Germans. He was imprisoned in German Camps located in Cologne, Limburg, and Kustrin, and was released on Feb. 3, 1945. Mr. Adamko was honorably discharged in October of the same year, and was awarded the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon, four Bronze Battle Stars and three Overseas Service Bars. A lifelong area resident, Mr. Adamko was married to Frances Dolezek on June 8, 1946, and settled in Little Falls on Eatonville Road in a house Michael built for his family. Together they enjoyed a loving union of 59 years until Frances’ passing on Nov. 9, 2005. Michael was employed by various contractors in the Mohawk Valley and worked on building schools, homes and commercial buildings. Mr. Adamko was a member of the Carpenters Union, DAV, and a life member of the VFW and the American Legion. Over the years he offered his carpenter services at church, as well as helping to maintain the grounds at the cemetery. His happiest moments were spent fishing, hunting, gardening, and traveling with his family. In later years you could often spot Michael on his lawn mower or tinkering in the garage at his Route 5 residence.

Survivors include daughters Patricia Bonocora, Susan Adamko and Michele Roe, all of California; grandchildren Karen Mahony and husband Ryan, of Arkansas, and Michael Bonocora, of California; two great-granddaughters, Cheralyn and Makayla Mahony; brothers John and Albert Adamko, both of Herkimer, and sisters, Mary Bronson and husband Cecil, of Little Falls, Ann Czerkniawski, of Connecticut, Helen Urich, of Little Falls, and Rose Hubiak and husband Joe, of Herkimer; many nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws. Michael was predeceased by his beloved wife, Frances, brothers, Carl and Peter Adamko, and son-in-law, Stuart Roe.

The family will receive relatives and friends at the Enea Family Funeral Home, 24 W. Monroe St., Little Falls, on Friday, Sept. 24, 2010 from 5 to 8 p.m. VFW Post No. 4612 and the Disabled American Veterans will conduct their services at 6:30 p.m. followed by Reverend Rafal Dadello’s prayer service at 7 p.m. Mr. Adamko’s funeral will commence with prayer at the funeral home on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2010, at 11 a.m., followed by his Funeral Mass at 11:30 a.m., celebrated by Father Dadello in the Holy Spirit Polish National Catholic Church, East Gansevoort Street, Little Falls. Procession will follow to the Holy Spirit Polish National Catholic Cemetery where he will be laid to rest.

Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and may the perpetual light shine upon him.
May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, rest in peace. Amen.

Our confirmation is the completion of baptism because: By baptism we are made members of Christ’s Church; and by confirmation we are strengthened to live a Christian life within the Church and defend its truths.

The gifts of the Holy Ghost are: wisdom, understanding, knowledge, counsel, strength, Godliness and fear of the Lord – from A Catechism of the Polish National Catholic Church, 316, 318, 319, and 321.

We pray that you be strengthened by the gifts of the Holy Ghost, and we welcome you to join with us in the work of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.