John (Jack) Polacsek

SARATOGA SPRINGS — John (Jack) Polacsek arrived into the world on December 8, 1936. He died at home on Sunday, May 22, 2016. A native Saratogian, Jack was a graduate of Saratoga Springs High School, class of 1954 and Siena College, class of 1958. In High School, Jack played football, baseball and wrestled. His personality was indicative of the superlative he obtained – Class Cutup. At Siena, Jack graduated with a degree in Accounting. He was a partner with his brother Allan in their family food service distribution company, Polacsek Farms in Saratoga Springs and Albany. He was hard-working and always known as a businessman who dealt amiably with their customers. Upon his ‘retirement,’ Jack worked for Saratoga County Social Services. He enjoyed driving people to their medical appointments and was exceedingly empathetic and understanding to everyone – no matter what their stature in life. Everyone knew Jack loved sports. He was one of the Founders of the Saratoga Springs Youth Commission. They prided themselves on building the first indoor ice skating rink in the city on the corner of East and Excelsior Avenue. Jack coached a B’nai Brith baseball team and was a loyal, fervent Siena, Mets and Giants fan. He was a life-long member of Congregation Shaara Tfille as well as a Member of the Alladin and Elks Clubs. Jack had a jovial spirit, gentle nature, contagious laugh, impish sense of humor and beaming smile. He was non-judgmental, even-tempered, friendly and kind. When anyone greeted and interacted with Jack, he lifted and warmed their hearts. Most of all, Jack loved his family. He was extremely proud of all their accomplishments and relished their talents and successes. Jack’s family believes wholeheartedly that he exemplified this statement – “To live in the hearts of those you love is the true definition of nobility!” Survivors include his six children; Lauren (Raymond) Heath, Randy (Rebecca) Polacsek, Alyssa Polacsek, Jamie Provo, Laura (George) Marshall, Colleen (Claudia) Provo, brother Allan (Carole), sister Marcia (Irving) Metzger, sisters-in-law, Rosemary and Ann (Sam) McConnell, brothers-in-law, Patrick (Sharon) Simone, Thomas Simone and Christopher (Terri) Simone, grandchildren, Elijah, Samuel and Ellexandra Heath, Mikayla, Andrea and Jack Polacsek, Justin (Ali) LeDuc, Simone (Matthew) Smith, Nadine (Justin)Tucker, Davis, Maxwell and Nolan Parker, Connor and Logan Marshall, two great-grandchildren, uncles, aunts, and several nieces and nephews. Jack was pre-deceased by his parents Robert and Gertrude Polacsek and his beloved wife Francine Simone Polacsek. A funeral service was held on Tuesday, May 24 at Congregation Shaara Tfille, 84 Weibel Avenue in Saratoga Springs; burial followed. The family will be sat Shiva at Allan and Carole Polacsek’s home in Wilton on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. Donations in memory of Jack can be sent to Congregation Shaara Tfille or Saratoga Code Blue, 27 Woodlawn Ave. in Saratoga Springs. Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com