Adam Albin Palka

Adam Albin Palka, 89, a resident of the Beaverton community died Thursday afternoon, March 3, 2011 at the Providence St Vincent Medical Center in Portland, OR.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Monday, March 7, 2011 at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 13715 SW Walker Rd in Beaverton.

Family and friends are invited to attend a reception following the Mass held in the parish center.

Rite of Christian burial will take place at 1:00 PM on Monday, March 7, 2011 at St Anthony Cemetery in Tigard, OR.

Adam was born on November 15, 1921 in Plains, PA. He was one of seven children born to Martin and Pelagia (Owczarzak) Palka. He was raised and received his education in Plains. Adam also attended CarnegieTech (Carnegie -Mellon University) were he received a degree in Electrical engineering. He also received his Master's in Business Administration from Northeastern University.

He joined the US Army Air Corps in January of 1940. WWII broke out in December of that same year and Adam served his country during the whole duration of the war. He was honorably discharged as Staff Sgt. and received a Bronze Star.

He met his future wife, June Ann Watt, on a blind date; they soon began seeing each other and were engaged within a year. On July 7, 1951 they were married in Pittsburgh, PA. Following their marriage they made their home in Pittsburgh, PA until 1955 when they moved to Williamsport, PA. . In 1962 they moved again to Lynnfield, Mass. were they made their home for over 40 years. In 2003 they moved to Beaverton, OR to be closer to their children. June had passed away in 2005, but Adam continued to live in their Beaverton home.

Adam was an electrical engineer designing and managing the construction of facilities for Sylvania. His job took him throughout the US and abroad into Mexico, Puerto Rico, Italy and Algeria. He spent over 30 years at Sylvania, retiring as Chief Engineer. He then continued to work as an electrical engineer, finally retiring at the age of 75.

He enjoyed gardening, running, cooking and was very devoted to his family. He was fond of Spanish music and enjoyed singing Spanish ballads to his wife. He listened to big band music and traveled with his wife after retirement.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife June, his parents and six siblings.

Survivors include four children and two daughters-in-law; Debbie Gray of Beaverton, Bonnie Palka of Beaverton, Dan Palka and his wife Annette Swartz of Beaverton, Marty and Sarah Palka of Sunnyvale, CA, two grandchildren; Katie and Nicholas and many nieces and nephews.

The family suggests donations in Adams name to Pope John Paul II Cultural Center www.JP2CC.org