Gary Robert Simzer

Gary Robert Simzer, age 83, passed from this life into eternity on Sunday, June, 23, 2024.

Gary was born on August 29, 1940, in Watertown, NY and was the 3rd of 6 children born to Thelma Mary (Brown) and Robert Christopher Simzer. 

Gary proudly worked for the City of Saratoga Springs as a heavy equipment operator for 30 years until his retirement in 2006.  After which, he enjoyed taking care of so many lawns and driveways in the park where they lived in Saratoga before moving to South Glens Falls.  He was also so willing to lend a hand to so many.

Gary loved EVERYTHING Saratoga, especially the horses.  In his early 20’s Gary was a driver for Standard Bred Harness Racing for Langtry stables earning a record for being the youngest harness driver to ever win a harness race.  Very recently he was given the honor of recognition in the Harness Hall of Fame at Saratoga Raceway, where his picture is very proudly displayed.

When he wasn’t watching the ponies on TV, his second great love was the NY Yankees where he would watch religiously on ANY TV channel or live at Yankee Stadium with his family.

Gary was also a great bowler and was a member of varying leagues in Saratoga Springs and even played softball for the horseman’s league.

Gary appreciated antique cars and owned one himself for many years while being a member of the Mohawk Valley Antique Car Club.

Left to cherish every memory is Gary’s loving wife of 32 years Joanne Simzer, his sisters Phyllis Eggleson, Patsy Hansen and Donna Cullison, his daughters Bonnie (Michael) Grolley, Rhonda (John) Lee, Connie Thomas, Carrie (Ivan) Mattrazzo, his bonus daughter Rhonda Sullivan, bonus son Thomas (Jodi) Cottone, grandchildren Nick (Liz), Michelle, Randi (Javier), Anya, Tianna, Derek (Dayna), Mark, Renee, Blake, Bradley, Brittany (Jen), Amanda (Sheavon), Kristina (Wesley) and his bonus grandson Theo.  Gary is also loved very much by numerous great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends who became family.  A special thank you to Angie and Suzie for all of their visits, love and help during the last month.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers, Richard (Patricia) and Philip (Sharon) Simzer, his first wife and the mother of his 4 daughters, June Reid and his nephew Steven Eggleson who was more like a brother to him.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Saratoga Hospital, Glens Falls Hospital, Dr. Hung Dinh Nguyen, Dr. Jennifer Borden and Dr. John Pezzulo and their collective staffs for the exceptional care provided to him over the past few years.

In accordance with Gary’s wishes, there will be no calling hours.  The funeral service will be private as requested by the family. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Compassionate Funeral Care, Inc, 402 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866..

In lieu of flowers, Gary would have loved your donation in his memory to go to anything that has to do with helping children, St Jude’s or Shriners Hospital as every time he saw a St Jude’s commercial on TV, he would ask Joanne if she already mailed that month’s donation.

If you wish to express your online condolences or view the Obituary, please visit our website at www.compassionatefuneralcare.com

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.