PGRNY Completed Missions

Honor Mission

Michael A. Faranda

US Army
Vietnam Era Veteran

Albany, NY - 10/27/2023

Mission applies to the following Region(s):

Region 4, Region 5

About the Mission:

The family of Michael A. Faranda has requested Patriot Guard Riders participation in his military honors funeral services. Michael, 70, entered Eternal Life Sunday, October 22, 2023 at the Schenectady Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing.

Born in Albany, Michael graduated from Blessed Sacrament School and Albany High School. He entered the US Army on 29 March 1973 and was trained as a Chaparral missile crewman (MOS 16P20). He was assigned to "D" Battery, 3rd Battalion, 67th Air Defense Artillery Headquarters in Europe. He was released from active duty on 26 March 1976, and honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant (E-5) after completing two years of inactive reserve duty on 21 March 1979. For his service, he was awarded the National defense Service Medal, Expert Badge (Grenade) and Sharpshooter Badge (M-16).

After his military service, Michael worked as an auto body specialist for Otto Cadillac. He was proprietor at Autobody Shop in Schenectady before retiring. He was a gifted cook and was an accomplished musician playing both the guitar and drums.

A full obituary is available for viewing online by clicking here

Primary Staging Date and Staging Time:

10/27/2023 at 08:15am

Staging Location:

Blessed Sacrament Church
607 Central Ave
(Father John Bradley Way)
Albany, NY 12206

Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:

Ray Sestak
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518-669-3358

Special Covid-19 Mission Guidelines:

Updated 8 March 2022

Based on the most current COVID-19 Prevention Guidelines: Protect Yourself and Your Family from COVID-19, and CDC Guidelines of 3 March 2022, going forward, the Lead Ride Captain for any mission will be responsible for determining whether PGR members will have to mask up or not. Please ensure that you have a mask with you, should the need arise, and respect the LRC’s decision in these matters.

Special Information:

Staging at the church with a flag line for the arrival of family and guests. Church services are scheduled for 09:00, followed by escort to St. Agnes Cemetery, 48 Cemetery Ave., Menands, NY, for interment with military honors.

Is there a Second Stage to this Mission?

no

Submitted by:

Ray Sestak

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