Obituary of Joseph L. Kata

Joseph Louis Kata Sr. of Florida, NY peacefully passed Saturday April 9, 2016 at home with his family he was 78. He was born to the late Benjamin and Stella Olinski Kata on March 13, 1938 in Goshen, NY. Raised in the Jessup Switch corner of the rich black dirt region. He had a passion for all things mechanical and it was this combination that eventually led to a successful career as a heavy equipment operator with Operating Engineers Local 825 even gracing the cover of Construction Magazine in 1986. Joe retired in 2000 where his focus became his grandchildren and their passion for racing. He would be their inspiration and coach ever present. Active in the Village of Florida Softball League in his 20's & 30's, an excellent bowler having achieved membership in the 300 club at Frontier Lanes in Warwick and later in life became an avid golfer. Joe was a 56 year member of the Florida Fire Department having served as a past Lieutenant, trustee, apparatus driver, and received outstanding fireman of the year in 1986. He also served as a fire commissioner having been vice chairman for the Florida Fire District. His earlier contributions to his community include past cub master of Pack 44 Florida and past secretary for the Village of Florida Planning Board. Survivors include his wife Eileen Kata at home; sons Joseph L. Kata Jr. and his wife Ann; James Kata and fiancé Debra Runnalls; Douglas and his wife Laurie; Grandchildren Heather, Michael, Jessica, Ryan, Andrew, Joseph III, and Bryan Kata; Sisters Theresa Lysack ; Janet Roth; and Lillian Sieczek and her husband Robert; several cousins, nieces and nephews. Joseph was a very proud American his favorite quote was "In God We Trust." Please join us in remembrance of our Patriarch Joseph L. Kata Sr. on Tuesday April 12, 2016 at the T.S. Purta Funeral Home 22 Glenmere Ave. Florida, NY from the hours of 4-8 PM. Firematic services will be held at 7pm at the funeral home. Funeral mass will be held 10 am at St. Josephs Church 20 Glenmere Ave. Florida, NY on Wednesday April 13, 2016. Burial will be in St. Josephs Cemetery Florida, NY. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Orange and Sullivan 800 Stony Brook Ct. Newburgh, NY 12550 or St. Joseph Church 20 Glenmere Ave. Florida, NY 10921.