Saratoga Springs, NY- John “Jack” Giacomo Mangini, of Saratoga Springs, died on June 15, 2026, at the age of 90.

He was born on June 30, 1935, in the family home on Ash Street in Saratoga’s West Side neighborhood, known to old Saratogians as “Dublin.” He was named Giacomo in honor of his grandfather and was told the name meant “little Jack.” To everyone who knew him, he was simply Jack.

Jack graduated from St. Peter’s Academy in 1953, where he served as class president. He earned a degree in Economics from Siena College and was among the first members of the Third Order of St. Francis. He also spent two cherished years at Mater Christi Seminary, where he earned an Associate’s degree. He later completed a Master’s degree in Education at the College of Saint Rose.

In 1962, Jack met Vivian Matrazzo, who became his wife and best friend. They were married on November 23, 1963, in a ceremony celebrated by his close friend, Monsignor Daniel Burns. Their reception followed at the Canfield Casino in Congress Park.

Teaching was Jack’s life’s work. He taught at Mechanicville High School, Garner Street Elementary School in Cohoes, and Chango Elementary School and the middle school in the Shenendehowa district before retiring in 1999. He loved being an educator and often spoke fondly of the students he taught and never forgot.

Jack’s connection to the Saratoga Race Course began in boyhood. After a guard at the Green Gate on Union Avenue let him onto the backstretch, Jack sold peaches and pears for five cents apiece and quickly sold out. That small beginning grew into the Mangini family concession stand, which served the track for 50 years.

After retiring, Jack volunteered for more than twenty years at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. He served as a docent in the Education and Technology departments and was honored with a Lifetime Membership. “I love Saratoga and horse racing history very much,” he liked to tell his tour groups.

Jack also loved running and completed the New York City Marathon after turning 50. He enjoyed golf, fishing, gardening, cooking, reading, soft music, and good Italian food.

Above everything, Jack loved his family. Nothing made him prouder than his grandchildren, and he followed each of their activities closely. He could often be found cheering them on from the side of a soccer field, a basketball court, or a swimming pool. In his own words: “My wife, sons, grandchildren, and my sons’ spouses mean so much to me. I will rest in peace only if they are healthy and happy.”

He was predeceased by his parents, Jeannie and Anthony, and by his sisters, Madaline and Debbie.

Jack is survived by his beloved wife, Vivian; his sons, John (Michele), Chris, and Jeff (Sarah); his brothers, Bob (Sandy), Tony (Pat), and David (Sue); and his grandchildren, Matthew, Ryan, Maria, Sam, Molly, and Ben.

Relatives and friends may call from 4pm to 7pm, Monday June 22, 2026 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 10am, Tuesday, June 23 at the Church of St. Peter, 241 Broadway, Saratoga Springs. Followed by burial in the family plot at St. Peter’s Cemetery, West Ave.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com