Cambridge Albert J. Baratto, 96, died Tuesday, November 22, 2011 at the Hoosick Falls Health Center with his loving family by his side. Until October, he had lived independently at home in Cambridge

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A lifelong resident of Cambridge, Albie was born July 27, 1915. After graduating from Cambridge Union School in 1934 he joined the United States Army. He fought in the European theater and was awarded two Purple Hearts and a special Conspicuous Service Award from the state of New York.

While training in Wales for the D-Day occupation, he met and fell in love with a beautiful young woman. He married Gladys M. Rule on January 1, 1945. Gladys died in 2005.

After returning to his home town, Albie worked at several occupations including driving truck for Fairbanks Express and building homes which he sold himself. He landed a job with the United States Postal Service and was a rural mail carrier for over thirty five years.

Albie had a very strong work ethic which he instilled in his children. The family ran Baratto’s Popcorn Wagons, which gave the children their first employment as well as many lessons in business and in life.

In 1974, he and son Greg bought a burned out restaurant on Route 22 near the lakes. They worked together rebuilding the building and the business –called the Burger Den. Although this was his first venture into food service, Albie had a natural knack for promotions and marketing. That coupled with his great people skills, quick wit, and his practical outlook on business, helped the restaurant become the landmark eatery it is today.

A lover of all animals, Albie bred Beagles and Welsh Springer Spaniels-a breed he introduced to the area from his wife’s native Wales. He enjoyed bird hunting and large game hunting and took pride in teaching his children how to handle guns and dogs.

He was a communicant of St. Patrick’s Church and of their Knight’s of Columbus Council. He was also a member of Captain Maxson’Post #634 of the American Legion.

A grandson, Ben Round and four siblings predecease him.

Survivors include three sons and their spouses, Michael and Peggy Baratto of Hoosick Falls, Anthony and Nora Baratto of Latham and Greg and Lisa Baratto of Cambridge; a daughter, Dale Baratto Round of Warrensburg, seven grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and their families.

Friends and relatives are invited to call on Friday, November 25, 2011 from 4 to 7 PM at Ackley & Ross Funeral Home, 73 West Main Street, Cambridge. There will be an American Legion service during calling hours.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Church, 17 South Park Street, Cambridge on Saturday, November, 26 at 10:00 AM. Burial, with military honors, will follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Center Cambridge Road, Cambridge.

All are invited to join the family at the American Legion on Route 22 for food and fellowship following the services.

The family requests memorial donations be made to either: Cambridge Valley Rescue Squad, P. O. Box 52, Cambridge, NY 12816; or Captain Maxson Post # 634, American Legion, Cambridge, NY 12816 or Hoosick Falls Health Center, 16 Danforth Street, Hoosick Falls, NY 12090.

Albie was a wonderful father, grandfather and member of the Cambridge community. He will be greatly missed.