Malta, NY - Paul R. Filkins, 86, passed away Thursday, March 10, 2016 at his residence, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on May 23, 1929 in Hornell, NY, he was the son of the late Sarah (Foster) and Joseph Filkins. He received a high school diploma in 1951 and went to work at VanRaalte Knitting Mill in Saratoga Springs until he enlisted in the US Army, serving from 1950 until his honorable discharge in 1952. He returned to Saratoga Springs, working again at VanRaalte's as well as the Central Market and Kiley's Gas Station. In 1953 he began employment at the Saratoga Springs Post Office, working his way up to Postmaster in 1979, remaining in that position until his retirement in 1986. Paul also worked as a teller at the Saratoga Harness Track.  Following retirement, he worked for his daughter MaryAnn and son-in-law Kirk Halsted at Halsted Communications until 2011 and also ran the mailroom at the Saratoga Race Track. He loved fishing, horse racing, Disney and spending time with his family.

In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by four siblings, Joseph Filkins, Delbert Morgan Filkins, Marion Wheatley and Eleanor Marie Parker.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Loretta V. Filkins; daughters Nancy (Gary) Hilko of Vero Beach, FL, Linda (Tom) Freightenburgh and MaryAnn (Kirk) Halsted all of Malta, Frances (Mike) Ross of Corinth and Paul Filkins, Jr. also of Malta;  six grandchildren, Lisa Halsted, Terry Halsted, Jon Halsted, Holly Hilko, Tori Filkins and Paul Filkins, III; seven great-grandchildren, Jasmine Halsted, Tyler Halsted, Ryan Drolet, Brad Halsted, Aubrey Halsted, Lilly Elmendorf and Carter Halsted.

Relatives and friends may call from 3 to 7pm Monday, Mar. 14, 2016 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs 584-5373.

Funeral services will be 10am Tuesday, March 15 at the funeral home, conducted by Paul's niece, Major Marie Harris and burial with military honors will follow in St. Peter's Cemetery, West Ave.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his name to Saratoga County Office for the Aging, 152 West High St., Ballston Spa, NY 12020, The Eddy Visiting Nurses Assoc., 433 River St., Suite 3000, Troy, NY 12180 or Community Hospice, 295 Valley View Blvd, Rensselaer, NY 12144.

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