SARATOGA SPRINGS — Walter Dean Jennings, Jr., 73, of Saratoga Springs, passed away on July 18, 2025. Calling hours were July 24 at Burke Funeral Home. Mass will be held at 11 a.m., on July 25 at St. Clement’s Church. Burial will be private. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.
SCOTIA — Jean Simpkins, age 72, passed away on July 19, 2025. Born one of five children to the late Harry and Alberta Long, Jean lived a life rooted in faith, family, and compassion. A devoted minister, she found her true calling in outreach ministry sharing the message of God’s love in jails, rehabs, and nursing homes, praying with strangers, and offering hope wherever she went. Jean was passionate about helping others build a relationship with Christ and lived each day as a testament to her beliefs.
Jean was many things to many people: a loving daughter, wife, mother, grandma, great granny, sister, aunt, godmother, cousin, co-worker, and friend. She embraced the arts with enthusiasm, enjoying jazz festivals, concerts, literature, poetry, and painting. She was also a devoted fan of music, Sudoku, crossword puzzles, fashion, jewelry, HGTV, NCIS, Person of Interest, and the Food Network. A lifelong learner, Jean held two associate degrees—one in Human Services and the other in Theology—and took great pride in being a straight-A student.
Jean retired from the State of New York after a fulfilling career, leaving behind countless friendships and cherished memories.
She is survived by her brother David Long; daughters Jocelyn Simpkins and Jeneta Simpkins; adopted daughter Laura Cox; daughter-in-law, Kelly Long; grandchildren Ezra Long, Mia Long, Jayla Simpkins, Kaden Long, Azjona Dozer, Kalel Long, Nacif Gooden, and Lakiah Gooden; great-grandson Octavius Jerelle Duke; nieces Nena Long, Adrienne Long, and Monique Bennefield; nephews Daryl Long, James Long, and Londelle VanArnum; goddaughter Shabrea Gooden; and a host of cousins, extended family, and dear friends.
Jean was predeceased by her parents, brothers Harry Long, Keith Long, and James Long; husband Wyman Simpkins; sons Jason Long and Jerelle Long; goddaughters Corine Gooden and Alexis Gooden; and her best friend Ernestine Gooden.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday, July 26, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY. A service will follow at 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be shared at www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.
Dr. William Byrt
May 21, 1953 – July 14, 2025
corinth — Dr. William Byrt, 72, passed away unexpectedly on July 14th. Born on May 21, 1953, in Framingham, Massachusetts, he was the beloved son of the late Francis and Eileen (Cunningham) Byrt.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 41 years, Robin, and their three children: Dr. Erin Byrt and her husband, Tyler McPherson, along with their two daughters, Althea and Leona; Dr. Conor Byrt; and Devon Byrt, who is recently engaged to Kara Gilhooly. He also leaves behind his cherished siblings: brother Frank Byrt; sister Eileen Leavitt and her husband, Ken; and sister Maureen Porter and her husband, Steven. He is lovingly remembered by many nieces and nephews.
William grew up in Framingham, where he played guard on the South Framingham High School football team, graduating in 1971. He completed his undergraduate at Boston University (BU), graduating in May 1975. He competed for the BU Crew Team and continued to support the team throughout his life. He earned his medical degree from the University of Massachusetts in 1981, completed his orthopedic residency at the University of Vermont in 1987, and pursued a fellowship in hand surgery at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, completing it in 1988.
A proud veteran, Dr. Byrt served for six years in the United States Air Force. For the first two years, he was stationed at Wiesbaden Air Base in Germany, where he served as the sole orthopedic hand surgeon for the European theatre of operations. He later continued his service at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Humanitarian Service Medal. He served in support of Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm from August 1990 to September 1991 and was honorably discharged with the rank of Major.
Professionally, Dr. Byrt was one of the founding partners of Orthopedic Associates of Saratoga (which later merged with OrthoNY) and served the Saratoga community for over two decades as an orthopedic hand surgeon. He was also a former member of the Board of Trustees at Saratoga Hospital.
Outside of medicine, he loved golf, riding his tractor, working outdoors, and spending winters in Estero, Florida. He cherished time with his grandchildren, rooted passionately for the New England Patriots, and proudly celebrated his Irish heritage through his involvement with the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick.
He will be forever remembered for his quirky sense of humor, his signature rattlesnake hat, his legendary appetite for Cheetos, and spending cold days in his sugar shack making maple syrup.
Relatives and friends are invited to call from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 31, followed by a funeral home service at the William J. Burke & Sons/ Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Home, 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Burial with military honors will be held 12:30 p.m. on Friday, August 1, at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Rd. Schuylerville, NY.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the following organizations that were close to his heart:
– Framingham Heart Study: Framingham Heart Study, 72 Mt. Wayte Ave., Suite 2, Framingham, MA 01702 https://give.bu.edu/campaigns/59704/donations/new?designation_id=9300000570
– Boston University Crew: Friends of Men’s Crew, 595 Commonwealth Ave., Suite 700 West Entrance, Boston, MA 02215 https://trusted.bu.edu/s/1759/22/form.aspx?sid=1759&gid=2&pgid=410&cid=1042&appealcode=WEBATH
– Shriners Children’s Hospital: Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 N. Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607 https://donate.lovetotherescue.org.
Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefunralhome.com.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — James “Jim” Vincent Chatfield, 87, of Saratoga Springs, NY, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2025. A Funeral Service was held on July 15 at Church of St. Peter followed by burial in Greenridge Cemetery. Memorial donations to Youth on Course (www.youthoncourse.org). Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.
BALLSTON SPA — Michael P. Sullivan passed away on July 14, 2025. Calling hours will be held Saturday, July 19 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Compassionate Funeral Care, followed by a service at 12:30 p.m. Immediately after the service there will be an interment at St. Peter’s Cemetery. For condolences visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.
BALLSTON SPA — Michael Edward Foskett passed away on July 14, 2025, after a short battle with cancer. He will be remembered with love for his sharp mind, good sense of humor and wit, and the special way he made those around him feel valued, seen and loved. For condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Gene Sarro passed away Friday, July 4, 2025, at Wesley Health Care Center. In honoring Gene’s wishes, there will be no calling hours. The family would like to thank the staff at 3 Spring and Hospice for all their care for Gene. Online condolences may be shared at www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.
Albany — Joseph C. Cimon, 84, passed away Saturday morning, June 28, 2025 under the care of Hospice. Services are private. Memorial donations to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, 385 Watervliet Shaker Road, Latham, NY 12110. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Alma Arpey, who passed July 3, 2025, recently told her children that she was blessed to have lived a long and fulfilling life of 86 years. Calling hours and service were held on July 10 at Burke Funeral Home followed by burial in St. Peter’s Cemetery. Memorial donations to Mohawk Hudson Humane Society. Visit www.burkefuneralhome.com.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — John Powers Roche, Sr. passed away July 5, 2025. Calling hours are Sunday, July 13, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Compassionate Funeral Care, Saratoga Springs, NY. A private graveside service will be at Bolton Rural Cemetery, Bolton Landing, NY. Online condolences may be shared at www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.
