Natale J. "Nate" Velardi, 83 of Walton, passed away Tuesday afternoon, September 18, 2007 in Fox Hospital, Oneonta, after a long illness.

Nate was born in Lynn, Massachusetts on May 7, 1924, the son of the late Joseph and Mary (Generazio) Velardi. He proudly served his country both in WW II and the Korean War. He was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds suffered in action on February 9, 1945 in Belgium, the Good Conduct Medal, WW II Victory Medal, Army of the Occupation Medal with Germany Clasp, the the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign, with 3 Bronze Service Stars for the Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace (Battle of the Bulge), and Central Europe Campaigns. He married the former Elizabeth M. Langer. She died on October 4, 1988. Nate was employed as a brewer, for Pabst Blue Ribbon Brewery, Newark, NJ. He also was very proud of being awarded a GED Diploma just 2 years ago. He was a member of the Walton VFW and American Legion Posts.

Nate is survived by 2 sisters, Phyllis Mumford, West Palm Beach, Florida; Catherine Ferguson, Arlington, NJ; Sister in law, Margaret Velardi, nieces and nephews, Theresa Grace DiSanto, Daniel Ferguson, Tracy Fasio, Cherylann Sibolo, George T. Sibolo Jr., Louis, Ricky, William, Michael, and Thomas Velardi, several cousins and his beloved dog, "Fleca". He was pre deceased by 3 brothers, Louis, Benjamin, and Joseph Velardi.

Friends and relatives are invited to call on Thursday morning, September 20, 2007 from 9 to 9:45 AM at the Clark, Winter & Courtney Funeral Home, 25 Townsend St., Walton. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM at Saint John The Baptist Roman Catholic Church, 17-25 Benton Avenue, Walton. Interment will be in Walton Cemetery with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial donations be sent to the American Cancer Society, 5 Oak St., Sidney, NY 13838, or Disabled American Veterans, PO Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301