Jack Hellman

March 4, 1937 - February 8, 2021

Jack Hellman, 83, of Gansevoort (and Wynantskill more recently), on February 8, 2021 passed away peacefully in his sleep. Jack was born on March 4th, 1937 to Mary (Cohen) and Sidney Hellman in Albany, NY. After graduating from Albany High in 1954, he enrolled at SUNY Fredonia, but left school upon the death of his own father. He joined the Army where he studied in the US Army Language School in Monterey, CA. This was followed by his service in Korea where he participated in the peace talks as a Chinese language interpreter. Upon his honorable discharge, Jack returned to Albany where he met the love of his life, Lois Brown Hellman, in a bar (Papa’s on New Scotland Ave). Jack and Lois were married in Glens Falls at Congregation Shaaray Tefila on June 16th, 1963. They had two sons, Sidney and Jonathan. Jack returned to school at SUNY Oneonta on the GI Bill and earned his teaching degree. He then taught in the Warrensburg Central School District for 30 years as a greatly beloved 6th grade teacher. He always felt one of his greatest achievements during his tenure was that every student in Warrensburg read The Hobbit. Students continue to remember him fondly long after his retirement. Jack was deeply dedicated to his community; he was the first individual to serve as president of both Jewish congregations in Glens Falls. He was a former treasurer of Caffé Lena in Saratoga Springs and believed passionately in the importance of the arts. He had a close circle of friends with whom he played poker. Jack was the master of dad jokes before dads were invented. Jack is predeceased by his parents, Mary and Sidney, and his cousins. Jack is survived by his wife, Lois, his sister, Baylee Meyers of Alabama, his sons, Sidney (Lina) of Saratoga Springs, Jonathan (Nancy) of Wynantskill, his grandchildren (Nathaniel, Noah, Jazlyn, Mary, and Goldie), and godchild Elizabeth. Anyone who knew Jack, knew how much he valued and loved his family. Services will be held privately for the family. There will be virtual memorial/shiva services online on Wednesday and Thursday evenings. Please contact the family directly for the links. If you would like to make a donation in Jack’s memory, please consider Temple Beth-El of Glens Falls, Caffé Lena, or a charity of your choice. The family plans to hold a memorial to honor Jack’s life once it is safe for friends and family to gather in person. For those who wish, on line condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sbfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Regan Denny Stafford Funeral Home, 53 Quaker Rd, Queensbury.