RICHFIELD SPRINGS - Steve Spytko age 77 of State Highway # 28 passed away on Sunday evening February 26, 2006 in The Otsego Manor after a long illness. He was born on February 16, 1929 in the town of Exeter son of the late Steve and Pauline Waznac Spytko.A lifelong area resident he was educated in Richfield Springs Central School. A US Army veteran he served with the 101st Transport Company during the Korean War and was honorably discharged with the rank of Corporal in 1952. On May 9, 1954 he was united in marriage with the former Genevieve V. Seamon in the Greek Orthodox Church in Herkimer.A loving and devoted union of fifty years Mrs. Spytko preceded him in death on March 6, 2004. Steve started out owning his own dairy farm and in the late 1950s started the S & J Slaughter House on State Highway # 28 that he owned and operated for forty years, retiring in the late 1990s. Steve had a strong belief in God and had attended Saint Josephs Church, Richfield Springs.He was a member of the Hugick-Purcell-Shepard American Legion Post # 616, Richfield Springs. Nothing can detract from the joy of that we shared in knowing Steve.He was a strong willed man who enjoyed the outdoors and nature.He was a fisherman who loved Canadarago Lake and the wonderful memories of time he spent there. Anyone who knew Steve remembers a man who kept constantly busy.He was never afraid to accept a challenge no matter how difficult.To his family he was the strength that held them together and was always there for them.Any conversation with Steve was very frank and to the point. But you could sense the warmth and friendship whenever you were with him.He was a friend to many and will never be forgotten. Surviving him are two daughters and their husbands, Darlene and Donald Calhoun of Kansas City, MO, Marlene and John Wagner of Middletown, a sister, Ann Garbera of Richfield Springs, four grandchildren, Donald Steven Calhoun, Kenneth Christopher Calhoun, Danielle Darlene Calhoun and Steven John Wagner, several nieces, nephews and cousins.Besides his parents and wife Jennie he was predeceased by four brothers, Joseph, John, Walter and Michael Spytko and two sisters, Helen Penalis and Mary Brykalo. Funeral from J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home, 40 West James Street, Richfield Springs on Friday at 9:30 am.A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am in Saint Josephs Church, Richfield Springs.The Reverend Terence Healy will officiate.Entombment with military honors will follow in Lakeview Cemetery.The family will be present in the funeral home to receive relatives and friends on Thursday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 until 8:00 pm. Expressions of sympathy may be made with donations to the Otsego Manor Celebration Fund.Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Members of Hugick-Purcell-Shepard American Legion Post # 616 are asked to meet at the funeral home Thursday evening at 7:30 pm. For services.