Stillwater Saratoga County Louis Zalar, age 78, passed away on Sunday, April 10, 2016. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Loretta, in 2013. Lou was proud to be born and raised in Shamokin, PA, the second youngest of 10 children. He was predeceased by his brothers, John, Phillip, Joseph, Frank, George and his two sisters Anna and Barbara. He is survived by his beloved sisters, Jean Checci of Elysburg, PA and Marie (Mitzie) Kosmer of Coal Township, PA and numerous nieces and nephews. Lou was a 22 year Vietnam Veteran serving in the US Navy from 1955-1977 achieving the rank of Master Chief. During his military career he traveled the world, his fondest memories and best stories being told about Rota, Spain where he was stationed for a number of years. While in the states he served as a navy recruiter and trainer and was ultimately transferred to West Milton Nuclear Power Plant from where he retired. He continued his employment as a supervisor at Norton Company/St. Gobain until his second retirement in 2000. Lou was an avid sportsman who was either fishing, hunting or golfing, depending on the season and took every opportunity to teach his skills to his grandchildren. Lou was the greatest Dad to his five children, Allan Johnson of Saratoga Springs, Marla (Bob) Jeffery of Stillwater, Eric (Kelly) Johnson of Middle Falls, Dominic (Holly) Zalar of Mechanicville and Vickie Ronda (Joe Pyska) of Clifton Park. Lou was the proud Pap to nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren, Sheri Hackman, Shawn Hackman, Erica (Ben) Kemp, Kayla (Ray) Green, Michael Jackson, Louis Zalar, Jenna Pyska, McKenzie Green, Raymond Green and Paige Dushensky. He took great pride in his granddaughter Victoria Zalar and was the best buddy to his grandson Jesse Pyska, spending most weekends together over the last 10 years up until his final day. Louis Zalar will be sorely missed. His kind-hearted generosity and his ability to see the best in people is an inspiration and has touched so many. He has taught us to always maintain a positive attitude, keep a sense of humor and a zest for life despite the challenges we may face. Lou was a member of the VFW and a member of the Fairview Gun Club in Coal Township, PA. Relatives and friends may call from 4-7:00pm on Thursday, April 14, 2016 at the Chase-Smith Family Funeral Homes, 319 Park Avenue, Mechanicville. Funeral service will be conducted Friday at 10:30am in the funeral home with burial in the Saratoga National Cemetery with military honors. A special thank you to Dr. Robert Wang for his compassionate care and treatment over the course of his illness. Online remembrances may be made at www.chasesmithfamily.com