DR. GERALD J. CAROZZA

SARATOGA SPRINGS Dr. Gerald J. Carozza passed away on March 29, 2018 at the age of 80.

Jerry was born on January 11, 1938 on Lefferts Street in Amsterdam, NY to the late Louis and Sophie (Martuscello) Carozza on a snowy winter night. He grew up in Amsterdam on East Main Street with his parents and two siblings, the late Antoinette Carozza of Amsterdam, NY and Robert Carozza of Cambridge, MA. Jerry attended local schools and graduated from Lynch High School in 1955. He went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Albany followed by a Masters and Doctorate in Educational Administration in 1970. Jerry’s whole life was devoted to the education of others. His career began as a teacher at Albany Business College for 4 years. His 38 year administrative career began as the School Business Administrator for the Catskill Central School District followed by a position as Assistant Superintendent for Business with the Shenendehowa Central School District. His first Superintendent of Schools position was in 1975 for the Plattsburgh City School District, where he served for 7 years. For the following five years, Jerry served as the Superintendent of Schools for the Saratoga Springs City School District. His final assignment was as District Superintendent of Schools for the Washington, Saratoga, Warren, Hamilton, Essex BOCES in the Hudson Falls and Saratoga region; he served 17 years before retiring in 2003. Jerry also served on many educational and civic boards. He was a lifetime member of the New York State Council of School Superintendents, served as president of the Twin Rivers Council, Boy Scouts of America Executive Board, and was a member and past president for the Center for School Improvement at the University at Albany School of Education Executive Board (CASDA). During his career, Jerry received many professional awards and accolades for outstanding leadership in education. Jerry met his wife, Rita Demers, while he was student teaching at Herkimer Central School District in 1960. They were married on September 5, 1964. Through 53 years of marriage they never had a serious argument or disagreement. Throughout their marriage they travelled extensively throughout the world including Egypt, Russia, Europe, Australia, and China. One of his favorite places to visit was Death Valley National Park in California. Jerry and Rita wintered in Florida for the past several years. Jerry’s family was his greatest joy. He is survived by his wife, Rita, and their three children, Shelley DeSimone (Gary) of Newbury, MA; Jerilyn Stellato (Tony) of Saratoga Springs; and Todd Carozza (Rachel) of Saratoga Springs. Papa looked forward to spending time with his grandchildren, Caty, Jack, Nick, Sofie, Sam, Olivia, and Daniel at Sunday dinner, playing games, and sharing his love of coins and history. For the past twenty years, he looked forward to the family’s annual summer vacation in Cape Cod or the Adirondack Mountains.

Jerry was a proud member of the Adirondack Mountain Club and was an Adirondack 46er (#2445), an accomplishment he shared with his son, Todd (#2446). He liked being outdoors, especially in the mountains. Recently he and his wife Rita, completed their goal of playing golf at each golf course within the Adirondack Park. Jerry and Rita shared a love of history and had visited many presidential libraries throughout the country. Our family would like to thank the wonderful nursing staff of the Hospice Inn at St. Peter’s Hospital, Community Hospice of Saratoga and the kind and supportive nurses, technicians, staff and doctors at Saratoga Hematology/Oncology, especially Dr. John Mongon. Relatives and friends may call from 4 to 7pm Tuesday, April 3, 2018 at the William J. Burke & Sons/ Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518-584-5373). A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30am Wednesday, April 4, 2018, at St. Clement’s Church, 231 Lake Ave. and burial will follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery, West Ave. In lieu of flowers please send donations to a charity of your choice.

Online remembrances may be made at www. burkefuneralhome.com.