John "Jack" Thomas Rich, Jr.

John "Jack" Thomas Rich, Jr (1947-2025) of Ballston Spa, NY passed away on March 9, 2025, at the age of 77. Over the years, Jack battled many health issues and was the recipient of a heart transplant. He always amazed friends, family (and doctors) with his strong will to survive. His life can be likened to a ball game that went into triple overtime, only to be lost by a single point at the buzzer. His loved ones were fortunate to have him in their lives for so long.

Jack was born in Whitehall, NY to parents John and Ida Rich where he was raised with his three siblings. Over time, Jack and his family also resided in Stillwater, NY and Ballston Spa, NY where Jack attended high school.

Sports were very important to Jack. He played baseball and football, but basketball was his passion. He was inducted into the Ballston Spa Athletics Hall of Fame for his contribution to the winning 1963-1964 Varsity basketball team.

He also was a member of the Junior College of Albany basketball team.

As an adult, Jack approached his career with the same drive and skill he demonstrated on the basketball court. He spent a lifelong career in the floor covering business and owned Miranda and Fountaine Floor Covering in Mechanicville, NY.

Jack loved and was loved by his family and friends. He was giving, quick to help, and loved to make people laugh with his witty sense of humor. He enjoyed home improvement projects, looking for a new treasure at an antique shop or yard sale, and following college sports.

Jack is survived by his wife of 22 years, Sharon Rich of Ballston Spa, daughters Renee (Hough) Larmour of Lexington, KY and Johna Rich of Saratoga Springs, NY, stepson Jeff (Michelle) Lambert of Saratoga Springs, NY, sister Joan "Jonny" Cummings of Saratoga Springs, NY, and grandchildren Kendall Hough, Graham Hough, Max Fogarty, Genaro Lambert, and Gianna Lambert. Jack also leaves behind many loved nieces, nephews, friends and his adoring cat, Gabby.

Jack was predeceased by parents John and Ida Rich of Stillwater, NY, sister Judith (Ron) Durante of Malta, NY, brother Michael "Mickey" (Sharon) Rich of Stillwater, NY and brother-in-law Robert "Jeep" Cummings of Saratoga Springs, NY.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday March 30th from 1-4 pm at the Knights of Columbus, 50 Pine Road, Saratoga Springs, NY. Friends and family are encouraged to join in sharing memories and celebrating Jack's life. In place of flowers, charitable donations can be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital or the American Heart Association.

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