Obituary of Joseph Alfred Nastke

Joseph Alfred Nastke, age 70, Valatie, NY - Sportsman, Conservationist, Traditionalist; a man of indomitable spirit; passed away at home May 23, 2023, surrounded by his loving family after a long and difficult battle with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus. Born in Cohoes, the son of the late Paul W. Nastke and Helen (Murphy-Shidal) Nastke. He graduated Phillip Schuyler HS, attended SUNY Delhi (Kappa Sigma Epsilon), and earned a Degree in Business from SUNY Albany. Joe's work career began in his early teens at the iconic Jack's Oyster House (Albany, NY), becoming skilled at shucking clams, holding many positions, including waiter. His humorous and endearing stories of the legendary owner, Jack Rosenstein, will always be cherished. He retired from the NYS Thruway Authority after 36 years as a Toll Collector and through the daily interaction with the public he met many wonderful people, some who became his closest friends. His passion for the outdoors led him to own and operate Highland Farm Shooting Preserve in Chatham for 21 years, and Shooters Sporting Goods (Valatie), working the last decade beside his son, Christopher. Respected for his knowledge of museum quality sporting arms, traditional hunting methods, and traditional Bear Archery recurve bows. Simultaneously Elected Trustee for the Village of Valatie in 1999 alongside his son, Jason J. Nastke, who was elected Mayor, he brought his lifelong love of the outdoors and outdoor activity to this position. Notably he worked to establish a trail system in the Pachaquack Preserve opening for public access 43 acres of forever wild land along the Kinderhook Creek, and successfully designated the Kinderhook Creek in Valatie as a yearly trout fingerling stocking point by the NYSDEC. He was a member of the Ghent Sportsman Club; Traditional Archers of New Jersey; Initial founder and President of Pheasants Forever (Albany Chapter); life member of the NRA, and Chapter Director of the Youth Program for Safari Club International (New England Chapter), dedicating himself to the development of educational programs for youth in hunting and fishing. He proudly held a lifetime NYSDEC hunting and fishing license, which he also procured for family and friends. Joe's greatest joy was hunting, fly fishing, and traditional archery. Through these activities he was blessed with many long-lasting friendships. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge of shooting and archery, especially to women and children. He traveled extensively and hunted throughout North America, including Georgia, Iowa, Montana, Wyoming, through Canada and Alaska, the majority of the Northeast and Mexico. He achieved his dream of safari hunting in South Africa, and upland game hunting in Scotland. He was committed to the environment and hunting as a means of conservation. His affection for dogs, led him to his love of coon hunting, raising Black and Tan Coonhounds, and later grew a passion for upland bird hunting with English Pointers, and training and breeding Labrador Retrievers. His prize English Pointer was featured in ads for Purina Dog Chow. In high school Joe met the love of his life, Rosanne, and through 49 years of marriage they shared his passion for traveling, hiking, kayaking, fishing and archery and he fulfilled his dream of taking her to Alaska. Together with their cherished pup, Sally, they shared special vacations with mother-in-law, the late Joyce Casella and sister-in-law, Joanne. The whole family treasured yearly trips together to Dorset Vermont, Las Vegas and Newport, RI. Joe created a beautiful family filled with love, laughter, and joy. He loved deeply, enjoyed life to the fullest, and dedicated his life to hard work, family and friends. He will be forever loved and remembered for his courage, strength, caring heart, and unique sense of humor. Joe is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Rosanne, and sons Jason J. Nastke (Dennis R. Brown, Jr.) of Kinderhook, Christopher E. Nastke (the late Tracey Hoolihan) of Valatie, and grandson, Remington Joseph Nastke of Valatie. Brothers John Nastke (Sharyl) of Ballston Spa, Richard Nastke (Wendy) of Schenectady, sisters-in-law, Susan Thorpe (Robert) of Averill Park, Joanne Garrison (Paul LaMalfa) of Schenectady, and Diane Casella of Albany, nieces Jade Casella of Rensselaer, and Sage VandeBogart of Albany, nephews Jeffery Nastke (Nikki) of Lake George, and Brian Nastke (Cesar Guerra) of Troy and great nephews Jivonte Banks, Keegan and Aiden Nastke. He is predeceased by his brother, Robert Nastke of Albany. The family would like to thank everyone at Community Hospice for their compassion, care and support throughout this difficult time. Per Joe's request to celebrate his life amongst the fields of Columbia County, calling hours will be 1:00-3:00 at the Locust Hill Barn, 5 Stockport Road, Ghent, NY 12075 on August 16. A reception will begin at 3 pm where relatives and good friends of Joe or a member of his family are invited to take part in his eulogy and honor ceremony to follow at the Barn from 4:00-7:00 pm. Those attending the honor ceremony are requested to RSVP to Jason Nastke at 518-461-2203 or email jasonn11979@yahoo.com. Smart summer casual attire. Burial services will be private. We thank the Kneller family for their graciousness. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to STRIDE Adaptive Sports, www.stride.org, or by check to Mary Ellen Whitney, STRIDE Adaptive Sports, 4482 NY Highway 150, West Sand Lake, NY 12196, or to The Community Hospice Foundation, 310 Manning Boulevard, Albany, New York 12208. Joe was first misdiagnosed with Alzheimer's dementia. We encourage everyone to be aware of the potential neurological disorders caused by tick-borne diseases including Lyme, Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Powassan Virus; and to challenge health care and insurance providers to undertake more exhaustive testing when bitten by a tick or experiencing any symptoms caused by tick-borne diseases.