Rotterdam – Mr. Bernard J. Yaksta, Jr., formerly of Stillwater, passed away peacefully with his wife by his side on the evening of Tuesday, July 4, 2017 after a brief illness. He was born in Mechanicville on January 18, 1957 to the late Bernard Yaksta and Patricia (Richards) Yaksta.

Ben was a longtime employee of Momentive, Formerly GE, in Waterford. When not at work, Ben loved spending time with his family. He enjoyed frequent trips to the beach, especially the east coast beaches with his wife, and loved going to the movies. His two pugs and cooking were also some of Ben's favorite things. But, above all, he was proud to be a father and grandfather.

Survivors include his wife, Elaine Hess Yaksta, daughter Jessica (Scott) Maimone of Manlius, son Jarrod (Meg) Yaksta of Stillwater, step-children Nicholas (Amanda) Moquin, Gregory, and Tyler Moquin, grand-children Peyton Yaksta and Sydney, Sophia, and Jameson Maimone. He is also survived by a sister, Virginia Foley of Mechanicville, brother Gregory (Margaret) of New Jersey, and other family and close friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to call from 10am to 12pm on Saturday, July 8, 2017 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff, Inc. Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (584-5373).

A funeral service will follow at 12noon.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Ben's memory to the Community Hospice of Schenectady County (1411 Union Street, Schenectady, NY 12308).

Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com.