SARATOGA SPRINGS — Jean E. Stamm, beloved wife of Jay Portnoy, died unexpectedly at home on Tuesday March 22, 2016.
Born in New York City on February 5, 1942, Jean grew up in Queens, NY. Always interested in learning, she took pride in her graduation from The Mary Louis Academy in Jamaica Estates as well as her graduation from Queens College and the Library School at SUNY Albany.
Jean moved to Greenfield Center in 1970 and a few years later married Jay Portnoy. For over 30 years she worked at the Saratoga Springs Public Library, rising to the position of Assistant Director of the library and also supervising the Saratoga History Room. Her passion for the library was evident in her work on the passing of the library bond issue and serving as the library liaison to the construction of the current library building.
Jean loved researching Saratoga Springs history, attending the Saratoga Racetrack and traveling. Her favorite destination was Hot Springs, AK. She once wrote an article comparing Saratoga Springs to Hot Springs, AK for which she received a letter of gratitude from then governor Bill Clinton.
Besides her husband of 43 years, Jean is survived by son Gregory Limongi and his wife Heidi of Orlando, FL; two brothers, William Stamm and his wife Emily; Peter Stamm and his wife Maureen; two grandchildren Meghan Mainelli and Nicholas Limongi and one great- granddaughter Dakota Mainelli.
There were no calling hours. Funeral services were conducted on Friday, March 25, 2016 at the William J. Burke Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs. Burial followed in Greenridge Cemetery, Lincoln Ave. in Saratoga Springs.
Donations may be made to the Friends of the Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Online remembrance may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com
