RICHFIELD SPRINGS-Nicholas "Nick" Steckler, age 80 of River Street, entered into eternal rest on Friday morning, September 26, 2003 in Little Falls Hospital.He was born on October 28, 1922 in the Town of Warren, son of the late Victor and Mary Papach Steckler, A lifelong area resident he was a graduate of Van Hornesville High School. During World War II he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Serving for three and one half years he was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant in November of 1946. On April 18, 1970 he married Katherine M. McCarty in Jordanville. Nick was a heavy equipment operator, he first, worked for the Town of Warren Highway Department. In the same capacity he later went to work for the New York State Thruway Authority retiring after twenty years of service in 1984.He was a member of the Hugick-Purcell and Shepardson American Legion Post # 616, Richfield Springs. He had a strong love for the outdoors and nature. In his leisure time he enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, and playing golf.Nick was happiest when his many friends and family surrounded him. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten.Surviving are his wife of thirty-three years Katherine, a son Nicholas J. Steckler of Phoenix, AZ, three daughters; Nadine Steckler and her significant other Peter Nowicki of Cooperstown, Michelle and her husband Randy Reyman of Phoenix, AZ, Maria (Steckler) Hovick of Burlington Green, one brother William and his wife Barbara Steckler of Richfield Springs, four grandchildren; Trasi and her husband Brian Hricay of Oneonta, Erika and Miranda Reyman of Phoenix, AZ, Nicholas Hovick of Burlington Green, several nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides his parents two brothers; Steven and Harry Steckler and five sisters; Anne Hanrahan, Olga Androski, Annette Patnaude, Nancy Wolkoff and Helene Steckler preceded him death. Funeral service will be on Tuesday at 9:30 am in J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home 40 West James Street, Richfield Springs. Interment to follow in Lakeview Cemetery. The family will be present to receive friends and relatives on Monday from 2:00 - 4:00 & 7:00 - 9:00 pm. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Dr. Liu, the staff at the Herkimer Prime Care Facility and Intensive Care Unit of Little Falls Hospital for the care and compassion shown to Nick during his illness.