Robert J. Earley
MALTA — Robert J. Earley passed away on November 24th. To honor Robert’s whishes there will be no calling hours or service held at this time. Expressions of sympathy and condolences may be shared at www.compassionatefuneralcare.com
Author: Saratoga TODAY
Todd Michael Mittler
ROCHESTER —Todd Michael Mittler passed away unexpectedly in his sleep of a heart condition at his brother’s home in Saratoga Springs on Thanksgiving morning, November 23, 2023 at the age of 51. He was called home and reunited with his parents James and Sandy, and his twin brother, Jimmy who passed in the summer of 2022. He will be greatly missed by his beautiful children Michael and Sophia who inherited his caring nature and sense of humor, his former spouse Cara with whom he remained close, his loving brother Steve and his children Julia and Max who carry forth the Mittler family’s kindness and charisma. In addition, he is survived by Jimmy’s wife Pilar Mittler and her children Jimena and Nicholas.
Born in Philadelphia, PA alongside his twin brother, Todd later spent his formative years in Clifton Park, NY, where he actively engaged in athletics, with lacrosse holding a special place as his favorite sport.
He attended Canisius College in Buffalo, NY on a full lacrosse scholarship and remained a proud Alumni and forever Griff.
Todd loved Western NY. After graduation, he made Rochester, NY his hometown. His professional journey spanned over two decades at Wegmans Food Markets Corporate offices, where he not only excelled in his work but also left an enduring impact on numerous colleagues who became cherished friends. In 2014, guided by experience & talents, he embarked on a new chapter founding TechBridge Consulting. He aimed for the stars and landed partnerships with Johnson & Johnson, Citibank, and most recently was working with Harvard University.
Todd had a zest for life, an infectious laugh and would do anything for those around him. In his free time, he loved boating, fine dining, and the Buffalo Bills (Go Bills!). Mentioning any of these topics would instantly light up his face with unmistakable passion. He touched many lives and would have been overwhelmed by the number of people who reached out to show their support and love.
Relatives and friends may call from 3-7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 1 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518-584-5373).
A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, Dec. 2 at 11 a.m. at Corpus Christi Church located at 2001 Rte 9, Round Lake, NY 12151. This mass can be viewed through the following link to Corpus Christi Church; sites.google.com/site/corpuschristichurchny/home?authuser=0.
On Sunday, December 10, we will host a local memorial gathering in Rochester between 1 and 4 p.m. at Brody’s on the Bay, 1400 Empire Blvd., Webster, NY. 14580.
Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com.
Harold Wilson, Jr.
MIDDLE GROVE — Harold Wilson, Jr. peacefully departed this life on November 25 surrounded by his family. He was 76 years old. As a tribute to Harold’s wishes, there will be no calling hours or service held at this time. Expressions of sympathy and condolences may be shared at compassionatefuneralcare.com
Jerome Massago
WILTON — Jerome (Jerry/Jake) Massago, age 70, passed away on November 17, 2023 surrounded by his loving family. A graveside service was held November 29 at Our Lady of Angels Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held on January 27, 2024. For condolences visit, compassionatefuneralcare.com
Rose Marie Licata
SARATOGA SPRINGS —Rose Marie Licata, 91, passed away November 23, 2023. Calling hours were 1 November 30, 2023 at Burke funeral home. Mass is 11a.m., Friday, December 1, 2023 at St. Clement’s Church followed by burial at Greenridge. Memorial donations to the Saratoga County Animal Shelter.
Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com
Stephen Allen Martin
SARATOGA SPRINGS —Stephen Allen Martin passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, at Wesley Nursing Home. A small service for the family will be held at a later date at the family’s convenience. Condolences may be shared at compassionatefuneralcare.com
‘Tis (Almost) The Season… Holiday Concert Series in Spa Little Theater
SARATOGA SPRINGS —Saratoga Performing Arts Center’s 2nd annual Holiday Concert Series in Spa Little Theater showcases three special performances in December featuring a cappella quartet Kings Return; genre-defying string trio Time for Three; and vintage jazz & pop singer Kat Edmonson.
Kings Return: We Four Kings. 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 2. This unique, harmonizing group turned internet sensation captures the essence of an old-school a cappella quartet with sounds inspired by gospel and R&B. Their joyous We Four Kings program features soulfully reinvented holiday favorites including “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Mary, Did You Know” and more.
Time for Three: Home for the Holidays. 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 9. In addition to their incredible arrangements of Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, Led Zeppelin and others, Time for Three will present special arrangements of holiday favorites including “The Christmas Song,” “Edelweiss,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and a special Hanukah MashUP.
Kat Edmonson: Holiday Swingin’! 4 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 17. Bringing her unique blend of jazz, cabaret and vintage pop, Kat Edmonson and her band will perform Yuletide favorites such as “Jingle Bell Rock, “O Christmas Tree,” and “Let It Snow” from her record which has been described by Jazziz as “impeccably hip” and included in the New York Times “13 Albums That Revisit (and Redefine!) Holiday Classics.”
For more information, and tickets, go to: spac.org.
‘Fabric Memoirs’ Presentation Sunday Dec. 3
SARATOGA SPRINGS —Fabric Memoirs, an in-person program, takes place 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3 at Temple Sinai, 509 Broadway, Saratoga Springs.
Participants will learn how to transfer photographs to fabric and incorporate them into “no-sew” photo collages that bring memories to life.
The event features artist Susan Rivers of Greentree Fiber Arts and is presented by Saratoga Jewish Community Arts. Rivers will demonstrate the techniques to capture memories and tell your personal story in a hands-on workshop.
All materials will be supplied. Participants can bring digital and hard copy photographs and any textiles they would like to use, whether new or repurposed.
Registration required and donations requested. Register at sjca.sjcf@gmail.com.
For additonal information, go online to: www.saratogajewishculturalfestival.org
Mayor Kim: NYMIR to Provide Saratoga Springs Liability Insurance Coverage For 2024
New York Municipal Insurance Reciprocal (NYMIR) 30th anniversary logo. NYMIS is to provide liability insurance coverage for 2024.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Mayor Ron Kim announced that the New York Municipal Insurance Reciprocal (NYMIR) has agreed to provide the City with liability insurance coverage for the 2024 calendar year.
NYMIR’s mission is to insure, support, and educate municipalities in New York State. NYMIR was formed 30 years ago, and is now the largest municipal property and casualty underwriter in the state, representing over 900 municipalities.
“The City worked with our broker to consider several carrier options for municipal coverage. The national insurance market, including municipal insurance, has been impacted by many factors such as increasing catastrophic weather events. We are confident in NYMIRs work with municipalities across the state, and believe it is the most sound and secure insurance program for our city,” said Mayor Kim, in a statement.
In addition to the new insurance coverage, Mayor Kim and Commissioner of Accounts Dillon Moran announced that the Risk and Safety program will revert back to the Accounts Department on Dec. 1.
“Governmental risk and safety management programs are essential to identifying and mitigating risk within our City’s operations. The Accounts Department will continue to promote safe and supportive best practices for our employees and stakeholders,” said Commissioner Moran.
New Horse Racing Syndicate Honors Family Legacy
Photos provided by Brendon DiSanto
GREENWICH — When New York horse racing veteran Glenn DiSanto died in 2017, his son Brendon decided that his father’s legacy should live on.
The elder DiSanto was a horse trainer and breeder for more than thirty years, credited with being one of the first people to use the Oklahoma Training Track at the Saratoga Race Course during the offseason. In 1984, DiSanto purchased Summit View Farm in Greenwich. It was here that he raised his son Brendon, who still lives on the property.
“I currently have three retired horses, all of which my dad trained on the farm,” Brendon said.
Brendon launched the horse syndicate Summit View Racing about a year ago. The venture started with a few friends but has since expanded to “people who are interested in getting into racing at a more affordable cost,” Brendon said. “Our goal is to keep it friendly, fun, and for everyone; keep the legacy of my dad alive essentially.”
Brendon is currently a project manager for Plug Power, but is eager to make a permanent jump into the horse business. “I see this being a full-time business within the next two to three years,” he said. “We want to make money, obviously, but we’re in it for fun.”
Glenn DiSanto won his final race at Belmont Park in 2015. His son hopes more victories will follow, but emphasized that the horses themselves are a top priority. “We want to win and we want to continue to grow,” Brendon said, “but the legacy that [my father] built was horses come first, then it’s the business side of it. I want to keep that point alive as we continue to do this.”
To learn more about Summit View Racing, visit summitviewracing.com.
