LOUIS PASSARO
Louis R. Passaro of Ballston Lake, NY, passed away peacefully on August 10, 2021, at Saratoga Hospital surrounded by his family. He was 91 years old. Born on January 20, 1930, in Teaneck, NJ, Lou was the son of the late Louis Passaro and Helen Seidel.
After graduating from St. Peter’s Academy in Saratoga Springs, NY, Lou enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1954. A year later he married Patricia Tarantino, thus beginning a loving companionship that lasted 64 years. The couple soon moved to the island of Oahu while Lou was stationed at Hickham Air Force Base. Rising to the rank of captain, Lou was exceedingly proud of his military service. He returned to civilian life to enroll in Cornell University, and in 1961 he graduated from Cornell’s School of Hotel Administration. Lou and Patty spent the early years of their marriage in New York City. There, Lou worked in the restaurant business, managing well-known establishments including the Four Seasons. The couple eventually moved to Ballston Lake, NY, to raise their four children, and Lou continued his career in the foodservice industry, working for many years as the Director of Nutritional Services for the Department of Corrections.
In retirement, he and Patty enjoyed traveling, including a memorable trip to Italy, a boat cruise on the Mississippi River, an Alaskan cruise, and a trip to Vancouver, British Columbia. They loved the many amenities that Saratoga has to offer, most of all the Saratoga Race Course, spending time in New York City to enjoy various plays and musicals, and the companionship of their Maltese poodles. Lou was also a big sports fan, especially of the New York Yankees and New York Giants, a love he passed down to his kids. His hobbies included playing golf, building model airplanes, and trains, and he was proficient at completing complex crossword puzzles. And Lou made many good friends at the American Legion in Clifton Park, NY, where he helped supervise the NFL pool. In his later years, Lou enjoyed life’s simple pleasures: the company of his family, relaxing in his recliner while watching a classic movie, taking drives around Saratoga Lake, and telling stories of his many adventures to his children and grandchildren, who loved him dearly. Lou was predeceased by his cherished wife of 64 years, who passed away in 2019.
Survivors include his four children: Michael J. Passaro and his husband Dario Palombi of New York City, Catherine M. Passaro Sausville of Ballston Lake, NY, Mark L. Passaro and his wife Susan of Wilton, NY, and John V. Passaro and his wife Tracy of Ballston Spa, NY. Lou is also survived by his three beloved grandchildren, Jacob Sausville, Isabel Passaro, and Jonah Passaro.
The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses who provided loving, compassionate care during Lou’s short stay at Saratoga Hospital. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, August 19, 2021, at 10:00 am at St. Joseph’s Church, 164 Broadway, Fort Edward, NY 12828. Burial will follow at Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Rd., Schuylerville, NY.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Legion Auxiliary Mohawk 1450, PO Box 4149, Halfmoon, NY 12065.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Tunison Funeral Home 105 Lake Ave. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. For online condolences please visit www.tunisonfuneralhome.com