RICHFIELD SPRINGS - William Senko age 88 formerly of Center Street, passed away peacefully on Tuesday evening January 21, 2014 in Folts Homes, Herkimer.He had the comfort of his loving family at his side. He was born on July 2, 1925 in Herkimer, son of the late Philip and Pauline Popauch Senko. A lifelong area resident he came to live in the town of Columbia when he was three years old. William was a graduate of Richfield Springs High School.In September of 1945 at the age of 19 Willie was drafted into the US Army from his parents farm in South Columbia.He received his basic training at Fort Dix, NJ followed by twelve weeks of infantry training at Ft McClellen, AL.He served with the American Graves Registration Command in Fontainebleau, France. His duties included guarding prisoners of war and recovering the remains of soldiers that had died in battle. He was honorably discharged in March of 1947 attaining the rank of Private First Class. On September 3, 1955 he was united in holy matrimony with the former Eleanor House in Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church in Herkimer.They made their home in the town of Richfield Springs and shared a devoted union of 34 years until her passing in 1989.Mr. Senko worked as a carpenter for Local Union # 120 in Utica. Maintaining pride in his military service, he was a member of the Richfield Springs Veterans Club for more than thirty years.He had a strong love for the outdoors, fishing, going for walks in the woods picking berries and mushrooms.He found much relaxation working in his garden and puttering around his home. To all who knew him they will never forget his down to earth manner and friendly way. Any conversation with him was straight and to the point yet you always felt a warmth and friendship when you were with him.He will be truly missed by his friends and family especially his cherished grandchildren and great grandson. Surviving are two daughters, Fay LaFrance and her husband Charles of Richfield Springs, Brenda Senko of Utica, one brother John Senko of Herkimer, three grandchildren, Marc LaFrance, Ivy LaFrance both of Richfield Springs, Gabriel LaFrance of Norfolk, VA, one great grandson, Logan LaFrance and many nieces, nephews and cousins.Besides his parents, his wife Eleanor and his son Michael he was preceded in death by two brothers, Andrew Senko, Stephen Mamorsh, three sisters, Helen Zeleniak, Olga Wiernecki, and Anne House. A graveside funeral service for Mr. Senko will be held later this spring in the Dutch Reformed Church Cemetery in the town of Columbia at a time to be announced. Funeral arrangements are with J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home, Richfield Springs.