Glen Falls, NY - Rev. Norman Birchard June went to be with the Lord, November 26, 2009. He was 88. Born September 10, 1921 in Mountain Valley, P.A. he was one of ten children of the late Charles and Hattie (Birchard) June. Norman was an honorable man but above all he was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to many. After high school Norman worked for IBM in Endicott, N.Y until he decided he wanted to make a difference in the world. He decided to enlist in the Army in 1942. He served for 3 years in the Armys 451st Antiaircraft Artillery Battalion where he fought valiantly in both the African and European fronts. He took part in the invasions of Salerno and Anzio and was involved in six other battles. He was awarded the European African Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Medal. After being honorably discharged in 1945, the darkness of war and his enduring faith in the Lord inspired him to answer the Lord's call. He became a soldier of Christ by becoming a minister. While attending Bible College at South Eastern Bible Institute, Norman married his true love of 61 years Mary Esther Smith. Upon graduating from Bible College, he served the Lord as an Assistant Pastor at the Lakeland Assembly of God Church in Lakeland, F.L. and became Pastor of the Lake Ida Assembly of God Church also located in Florida while continuing his education at Florida Southern College. Upon graduating in 1951, he and his family returned to Endicott, N.Y where he served as an Assistant Pastor and the head of the Sectional Youth Leader Program at the request of Pastor Baressette. In December 1962 he established the Assembly of God Church in Saratoga Springs, NY. This is where he served the Lord and ministered for 47 years before retiring in June 2009. Norman was a selflessness man; despite his weakened condition he was not concerned about his well-being but the spiritual well-being of his children and his grandchildren. He showed great love for his children and especially his wife, Mary. The love that Mary and Norman shared is the storybook depiction of true love. It was a blessing to have witnessed such a strong an enduring love that they had for each other and proves that true love really does exist. Norman is predeceased by, sisters Jennie June, Ethyle Alexander, Cecile Scales, Juanita Whitehead, Ester Davis; brother Arthur June and his daughter Bonnie Merritt. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mary Ester June; five children, Richard June (Debbie June) of Gastonia, N.C., John June (Cindy June) of Saratoga Springs, N.Y., Douglas June (Nanci Wagner) of Saratoga Springs, N.Y., Deborah June-Miller (Ray Miller) of Gansevoort, N.Y., and Daniel June (Susan June) of Gansevoort, N.Y., a sister, Lily Shepardson of Hunting, I.N., brother Paul June of Endicott, N.Y; and 13 grandchildren Michael Merritt, Shelia Merrit, Norman Merritt, Shari Merritt, Bobbie-Jo Merritt, Brian June, Brigitte June, Elizabeth June-Hayden, Sarah June, Kyle Wagner Daniel June, Jr., Nicholas June, and Renee Miller,15 great-grandchildren and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends may call from 4 to 7pm Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2009 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (584-5373). Funeral services will be 10am Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009 at the Saratoga Assembly of God Church, 118 Woodlawn Ave. Burial with military honors will be in the family plot at Greenridge Cemetery, Lincoln Ave. If you would like to honor the life Rev. Norman B. June, attend any church this Sunday and worship the Lord. Memorial donations may be made in Rev. June's name to the Saratoga Assembly of God Church c/o Rev. Todd Bumbarger, 118 Woodlawn Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.