SARATOGA SPRINGS — Philip “Skip” Colucci, age 80, passed away on February 17, 2023 after a courageous battle with health issues.

Skip was born on February 17, 1943 in Saratoga Springs and was a graduate of St. Peter’s Academy. Skip had a storied career at St. Peter’s Academy as an athlete, and later as Basketball Coach, that coached and led his teams Into several championship seasons. He devoted his time to assisting and developing any child who wanted to learn the game of Basketball.

Skip’s life spanned 2 careers, one at General Foods Inc., and most recently with the City of Saratoga Springs Water Department.

Skip married Joanne Lynch on July 3, 1963 and they were approaching their 60th wedding anniversary.

He was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife Joanne of 60 years, his son Carl and daughter-in-law Marlene Colucci, and son Michael Colucci. His two favorite “pals” were his grandsons, Chaz and Jaxson.

“We love you Dad, you will be missed by all that you came across in your life.”

At the request of the family a private burial service will be held at St. Peter’s Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518-584-5373).

Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com

Francis “Gary” Brooks, age 73, of Queensbury, NY, passed away on February 9, 2023 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Gary was born on June 4, 1949 in Saratoga Springs, the son of the late Gilbert and Mildred (Howard) Brooks. Gary graduated from St. Peter’s Academy in 1967 in Saratoga Springs and then went on to get his Business Administration degree at Albany Business College. He then eventually furthered his education at Bryant & Stratton Business Institute in Albany in 1996. Every year, he was happy to complete the Income Taxes for countless friends & family!

Gary married Anne Kearney in 1969 and share daughter Whitney (Brooks) Rebisz. Gary is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Dave; his long-term committed relationship with Gretchen Mutaf; his sister Denise and brother-in-law Frank Largen; his dear friends Jeff & Milayne Jackson-Kingsley; and many musician friends he played with throughout his entire life.

Preceding Gary in death includes his father Gilbert, his mother Mildred (Howard) Brooks, and his brother Malcolm.

Gary will always be remembered through the music he played with numerous bands including The Shames, The Cherry Stones, Breakfast of Champions, Whisper, Merlin’s Minstrels, Emerald City, Gary Brooks Band, Bobby Kaye and ‘Them,’ Joe Mele Band, Janis Joplin Tribute Show, Joe Jackson and Armed & Dangerous Band, Wild Bill & the Rhythm Kings, Thunder Road, the Milayne Jackson Trio and his solo career.

Relatives and friends are invited to call from 10-11 a.m. on Friday, February 17, 2023 with an 11 a.m. Funeral Home service at the William J. Burke & Sons/ Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Home, 628 N. Broadway Saratoga Springs. Burial will follow in Greenridge Cemetery, Lincoln Ave.

Visit burkefuneralhome.com