Saratoga Springs, NY - Joseph Tkacheff Jr, born February 13, 1926 in Waterbury Connecticut, passed away at Ellis Hospital on the 26th of December, 2018 after a short illness. He was a first generation American whose parents immigrated from Belarus and Lithuania in the early 1910s, he was fluent in Russian.

From humble blue-collar roots, Joseph graduated with honors from Crosby High School, Waterbury Connecticut. He went on to get a Bachelor's degree in Pharmacy from Rhode Island College of Pharmacy, continued his education at the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy receiving a Master's degree in Pharmacy graduating from both colleges with honors.

After completing his education, he went to work at the G.F. Harvey Company in Saratoga Springs, NY, where he would meet his future wife, Mildred Pagach. Starting as a Junior Chemist he rose through the ranks to become head of the pharmaceutical research section of the company. He designed and implemented their solid dosage research production line. He left G.F. Harvey Company and joined Sterling Winthrop Labs. Again, starting as a Research Pharmacist, he rose through the ranks and become Section Head of the solid dosage division of the lab. His work at Sterling Winthrop resulted in six patents being awarded to the company. He retired from Sterling Winthrop in 1988.

Joseph's main passions were for his wife, his sons and his parents. Joseph had many hobbies that included violin (playing in the Skidmore College orchestra for many years), golf, bowling, and traveling the Caribbean; but his main focus was on his marksmanship abilities. Joseph learned 22 caliber long barrel rifle shooting at the Sara-Spa Rod and Gun Club. For many years he led his team and the Tri-County league in high shooting average, guiding his team to multiple years of first place finishes, many of which Sara-Spa went undefeated. He loved to reminisce on the days of the Sara-Spa – Whitehall rivalry, a match that he always looked forward to.

Joseph was also a Little League Baseball coach for many years while his sons were active in the league, either as an assistant coach to the Lion's Club team or head coach of the Saratoga Industries team. Many of the Little League players would still approach him over the years thanking him for his instruction during their formative years.

Joseph is pre-deceased by his wife of 57 years, Mildred Tkacheff and parents Joseph and Veronica Tkacheff. He is survived by his 2 sons; eldest son, Joseph Tkacheff and wife Cata of Ballston Lake, New York and youngest son Jeffrey Tkacheff and wife Jennifer of Lorton, Virginia.

There will be a simple graveside service in the spring for the immediate family.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 149 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs, New York 12866 of which Joseph was a long-time member.

Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518-584-5373).

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.