Ronald R. Hoyka

Ronald R. Hoyka, 93, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2026, at his daughter’s home.

Ronald was born to Robert Hoyka and Emmi Roggenthien on March 10, 1933 in Hamburg, Germany. His early years were shaped by the war that raged through his country, but through persistence and strength of character, he persevered. He spent much of the war in a school in Bavaria, sparing him the daily reality of the bombing of his home city. Upon his return to an unrecognizable Hamburg, he learned the painting and wallpapering trade from his father, Robert, and took a variety of jobs, including one at the Port of Hamburg, painting ships. While attending a wedding in his late teens, he met Margot Hartmann, who attested that the first thing she noticed about him was his good looks. He and Margot married on Christmas Eve 1953.

Ronald was inspired to move to the United States by his boisterous uncle, Wilhelm (Willie) Hoyka. The young Hoyka family, which now included a set of twins (Rainer & Marlies), emigrated to Albany, New York in April 1957 on the SS Berlin, arriving just months after the closure of Ellis Island. They lived on Yardboro Avenue and then Pierce Street, where they raised their children. Ronald worked for over 25 years at Tobin Packing.

A man with a faulty filter, you always knew what Ronald was thinking. If he had a thought, especially a snarky one, you heard it.

In addition to his parents, Ronald was predeceased by his beloved wife, Margot and his brother, Gunther Hoyka.

Ronald is survived by his children, Rainer Hoyka (Colleen), Marlies Palka (Wayne) and Linda DePaulo (Larry); five grandchildren – Mike Palka, Kristen Hoyka, Kelly Gallagher (Alan), Amber Hall (Zack) and Rachel Lawson (Joe); 4 Great grandchildren, Hudson, Brielle, Jordan & Zayne.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, June 22, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie. A graveside service will follow at Memory Gardens.