ALBERT D. PRAGA SR. Latham - Albert (Birdie) Praga, Sr. 83 of Latham, passed away at his home on Thursday February 5, 2009. Al was born in Albany in 1925; the son of Salvatore and Raffaela Alvaro Praga. He is survived by his loving wife Marilyn of 62 years; and his loving children Cheryl Cole, Helen Van Wormer (Brian), Gail Battista (Richard), Albert Jr., Victoria Breen (Thomas), Toni Leary (Gerald), and by his only sister Anna Praga of Saratoga, 15 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Predeceasing Al were his brothers, Patsy (Mark), Joseph, Tony, Mel, and Frank. Albert was a big part of his children and grandchildren's' lives and his jokes and special birthday poems will be greatly missed. Al was an entertainer at heart from early on when he used to sing and dance in downtown Albany at various venues, thus the nickname "Birdie". He loved to tell jokes and could mimic any dialect and was often called on to entertain at various functions. Al was an avid bowler, loved to play poker and was a diehard Yankee fan. Movie and television trivia were his passion and you could always count on him for the right answer for any question. Al was a US Naval veteran of World War II and the lightweight boxing champion of the Naval Sixth Fleet. He was also a Golden Gloves boxing champion in the Albany area. Al was an active member of Ironworkers Local 12 for over 40 years until he retired. He was a lifetime member of the Fuller Road Firehouse where he was treasurer of the "Fuller Road Funsters" and a member of the Colonie Elks Lodge #2192. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Sunday, February 8th from 2pm-5pm at the Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, 149 Old Loudon Rd., Latham. Funeral services will be held Monday morning at Our Lady of Assumption Church, 498 Watervliet-Shaker Rd Latham, (Rte 155) where a mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:00am. Entombment will be at Memory's Garden Mausoleum, Colonie. For directions, information or to light a memory candle for the family please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com