SARATOGA SPRINGS — Thomas G. “Tommy” McTygue, 83, a beloved figure in Saratoga Springs and a pillar of the community, passed away peacefully after a prolonged illness, on September 24, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Tommy’s life was a testament to his unwavering commitment to public service, his deep love for his family, and his passion for making Saratoga Springs a better place for all.

Born on June 6, 1941, to Charles A. McTygue and Rose Lanzara McTygue, Tommy grew up with a strong sense of civic duty ingrained in his family’s tradition. This legacy of service would shape his entire life and career.

Tommy’s journey of service began in an unexpected place – behind a barber’s chair. As a young man, he started his career as a barber in Saratoga Springs, a role that allowed him to connect with residents from all walks of life. It was here, amid the hum of clippers and the chatter of patrons, that Tommy began forming the meaningful relationships that would define his life and career.

Following his time as a barber, Tommy’s commitment to his community deepened as he joined the Saratoga Springs Fire Department. As a firefighter, he demonstrated bravery and dedication, further strengthening his bonds with the city and its residents. This experience not only showcased his willingness to put others before himself but also gave him insight into the city’s operations and needs.

His path in public service then expanded beyond Saratoga Springs when he served as the Superintendent of Documents for the New York State Assembly. In this role, Tommy forged meaningful relationships with lawmakers across the state, building a network that would prove invaluable in his future political endeavors. This experience broadened his understanding of state politics and policymaking, contributing significantly to his later accomplishments as a local leader.

Tommy’s love story began in 1963 when he married his sweetheart, Sandra (Rozelle) McTygue. Together, they built a loving family that became the cornerstone of his life. Tommy’s love for his family was evident in everything he did, from his public service to his dedication to his community.

Known for his warm smile and genuine concern for others, Tommy made friends easily and kept them for life. His ability to connect with people, honed during his days as a barber, his time as a firefighter, and his work in Albany, made him not just an effective public servant but also a treasured friend to many in Saratoga Springs and beyond.

Tommy’s professional life in Saratoga Springs culminated in an extraordinary 32-year career as Commissioner of Public Works. Elected to an impressive 16 terms, he played a pivotal role in transforming the city from a seasonal tourist destination to a vibrant year-round community. His vision and hard work, coupled with the relationships he had built at the state level and his intimate understanding of the city’s needs, laid the foundation for the Saratoga Springs we know and love today.

As a lifelong Democrat elected in a then-majority Republican city, Tommy was known for his willingness to forge bipartisan partnerships to get things done. He understood that progress often required reaching across the aisle, and he worked tirelessly to build consensus among local and state leaders alike. This approach allowed him to achieve remarkable results for Saratoga Springs, even in politically challenging times. His ability to find common ground and focus on shared goals made him an effective leader and a respected figure across party lines.

As Commissioner, Tommy was a pioneer in many areas, including environmental protection, historic preservation, and urban beautification. He took pride in the city’s clean streets, efficient snow removal, and the beautiful flowers that adorned the town. His dedication often found him behind the wheel of a snowplow in the early hours of winter mornings, ensuring the streets were safe for his fellow citizens.

Tommy’s compassion extended beyond his official duties. He was known for reaching out to those less fortunate, providing employment opportunities and support to individuals struggling with various challenges. This empathy and willingness to help others in need was a defining characteristic of his leadership and his personal life.

Outside of his public service, Tommy had a lifelong passion for Standardbred harness racing. As an owner, he competed at tracks throughout New York State and beyond, achieving success with major stakes winners. In his later years, he continued to advocate for the sport, leading the Saratoga Horse Owners Association and successfully defending the industry’s interests.

Tommy McTygue’s legacy in Saratoga Springs is visible in the beautifully maintained Congress Park, the historic Canfield Casino, and the beloved Marcus Illions Carousel. But more than these physical landmarks, his legacy lives on in the hearts of those he touched with his kindness, his dedication, and his unwavering love for his community.

As we bid farewell to Tommy, we celebrate a life well-lived – a life dedicated to family, friends, and the betterment of Saratoga Springs. His legacy of bipartisan cooperation and putting the needs of the community first serves as an inspiring example for future leaders. His impact on the city and its people will be felt for generations to come.

Tommy McTygue – a loving husband, father, grandfather, public servant, and friend – will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

In addition to his parents, Tommy was predeceased by his sister Patricia, and brothers Charles and Michael. 

He is survived by his wife Sandra, his daughters Lisa McTygue Cross (Brian), Tracy Lyon (Mark), Sharon McTygue (Dave), five cherished grandsons, Brad (Bianca) and Shane (Julianne) Lyon, Colin Flanders (Courtney), Mason Wheelock (Julia) and David Hart as well as his brothers, Bill and Pete (Jackie) McTygue.

All are welcome to attend a Funeral Mass at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, October 1, at St. Clement’s Church, 231 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs. Burial will be Wednesday, October 2, in Prospect Hill Cemetery in Schuylerville.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Shelters of Saratoga online at sheltersofsaratoga.org or by mailing a check to PO Box 3089, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 or to RISE, (Healthy Housing and Support Services) of Saratoga Springs, online @riseservices.org or by mailing a check to RISE, 127 Union Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Arrangements are under the direction of Flynn Bros. Inc., 13 Gates Ave., Schuylerville, NY.  Online remembrances can be made at www.flynnbrosinc.com

POTSDAM — John J Sweeney, age 57, of West Stockholm, NY passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at the Canton Potsdam Hospital. Arrangements for cremation are with the Garner Funeral Service. Condolences for the Sweeney family can be shared at www.garnerfh.com. 

John is survived by his wife Sharon Sweeney of West Stockholm, NY, his mother Jane Welch of Queensbury, NY, brother Brian Sweeney of Clifton Park, NY sister Patricia Sweeney of Brattleboro, Vermont, stepsons David, Michael and Robert, stepdaughter Malinda, 8 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. He is predeceased by his father Edward Sweeney. 

John was born in Rochester, NY on June 22, 1967 to Edward and Jane (Welch) Sweeney. He was a graduate of Saratoga Springs High School in 1986. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy for 13 years. He was married to Sharon Bickford on November 28, 2001. 

John was a kind and gentle soul and a generous person to everyone. He loved spending time with his dearly loved family. There will be a celebration of life for John to be held at a later date and time yet to be determined.

REXFORD — Mary Helen Guarnieri, 55, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 19, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. After a long and courageous battle with bile duct cancer, Mary reluctantly left her beloved husband and daughter, Dennis Blaine and Thalia Guarnieri; her dog Stella; cats Jett, Ouzo, and Jasper; and the physical world behind.

Mary was born in Buffalo, NY to Paul Guarnieri, Sr. and Patricia Guarnieri (Centore) on November 2, 1968, as their eldest child. Growing up, Mary attended Arongen, Greenfield, and St. Peter’s elementary schools. She graduated from Saratoga Central Catholic High School in 1986. She received a BS in Biology from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh and continued her studies in the molecular genetics Ph.D. program at the State University of New York at Albany. 

Mary’s lifelong love of science reached into many impactful discoveries. Her tenure as a research technician with Dr. Lorraine Flaherty led to important discoveries in genetics including the characterization of the mouse model of Reelin, a protein critical to regulation of synaptic plasticity, and LamB3, a gene responsible for epidermal development. Her passion and expertise led to the pursuit of a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences at the University at Albany where she characterized a complex animal model that carried a reciprocal translocation affecting multiple developmental processes. Despite the sheer magnitude of the dissection of a model of this complexity, Mary met this challenge as she approached everything in her life, with intelligence, diligence, and the confidence that framed her personality.

While writing her dissertation, she and Dennis were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Thalia. Mary discontinued her studies and became a devoted caregiver. As Thalia progressed through school, Mary was a tireless volunteer at Mother Teresa Academy, St. Mary’s School, and Saratoga Central Catholic School. She was then hired as Director of Advancement at Saratoga Central Catholic School where she worked for 6 years, before retiring in February 2021. 

In addition to her obvious intelligence and physical beauty, Mary was imbued with a radiant beauty from within. Unusually kind and generous, she had an extraordinary ability to understand and empathize, particularly for those experiencing suffering or feeling disenfranchised. She eagerly and effortlessly gave comfort to alleviate fear and suffering in others, even if it was simply to hug you tightly and offer her shoulder for your tears. 

Mary was always fully present and engaged, whether in her academic pursuits, time spent with family and friends, or when caring for the smallest of creatures; she loved and appreciated it all. Mary met her health challenges as she did with any of life’s challenges, with grace and equanimity. She has left an indelible mark on our hearts and will remain there forever, never forgotten and forever alive within us all.

Mary was very fortunate to be close with her relatives and friends. Mary and Dennis enjoyed hiking and camping and would take an annual trip with a group of as many as a dozen close friends. She, Dennis, and eventually Thalia traveled often to Italy with their family. While going for cancer treatments downstate, she was regularly joined by cherished friends and family members and turned these trips into “chemo parties.” Her husband made sure to always have fresh flowers in the house for her upon her return. 

In addition to many cousins and friends, Mary is survived by her loving husband of 28 years, Dennis Blaine, and their incredibly talented daughter, Thalia; her sister Christine (Darryll Daum), niece Isabella, and brothers Paul (Pamela Nagengast) and Mark (Alicia Groff); and aunts and uncles, Jeanne and Dick Cody, Gloria and John Weyand, Donald Amodeo, and Helene and Bob Mehnert. 

Relatives and friends may call from 4-7 p.m., Friday, September 27, at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518-584-5373).

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Saturday, September 28 at St. Peter’s Church, 241 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. 

Reception to follow. 

As many of you know, Mary always liked to tell people what to do and she has requested the following of all who read this: In loving memory of Mary, she asks you to consider performing some acts of kindness, that you respect others’ opinions without judgement, and share a smile or a compliment or a helping hand to someone in need whenever the opportunity presents itself.  When you buy flowers, take in and marvel at their beauty as she loved to do and “let the light in.”

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com