Saratoga Springs, NY - Dr. Joseph Mintzer, 91, passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family on May 31, 2014. Born on July 4, 1922, he was the son of the late Julius and Sadie Mintzer. He attended the University of Maryland from 1939 to 1943, and it was there that he met the love of his life Irma. They fell in love and were married on June 24, 1945. After graduating from the University of Maryland Medical School in 1946, Joe was commissioned by the U.S. Army as a medical officer in occupied Nagoya, Japan from 1947-1949. After being honorably discharged from the Army as a Captain, Joe accepted a residency position at Queens General Hospital, which he completed in 1951. Joe and Irma then moved to Saratoga, where they were welcomed with open arms by the community, Joe was the first board certified pediatrician in Saratoga County. He organized and created the Department of Pediatrics at Saratoga Hospital. He also served as President of the medical staff and helped develop and structure the new Saratoga Hospital as a member of the Board of Directors. Every adult in Saratoga over the age of 50 knew Dr. Mintzer as their caregiver, and remember his house calls. He was a man of infinite passion, wisdom and foresight. He was a true healer, brilliant and compassionate. His life was a play of ideals and passion steeped in his devout faith in Judaism. In all of his deeds he put into action the core value of Judaism; "Treat others as you would like to be treated". He cared tirelessly for his young patients, making house calls to all that needed care, regardless of their race, creed, poverty, or faith. His physical energy and spirit were ever present and he continued to enjoy many of his hobbies into his 80's. He enjoyed golfing, fishing and playing cards with his friends and family. Family was at the center of his life. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his daughter, Lisa Miriam. He is survived by wife Irma, his daughter Loretta Ostrov and her husband Dr. Arthur Ostrov, his son Steven Mintzer and his wife Kimberly Mintzer; his three brothers, Sidney Mintzer (June), Milton Mintzer (Stella), Charles Mintzer (Roberta), and one sister Pearl Sanders (Harris), as well as nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 2, 2014 at 1:00pm at Congregation Shaara Tfille, located at 84 Weibel Avenue, Saratoga Springs, New York. Burial with military honors will follow in the Jewish Community Center Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway (584-5373). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jewish Community Center, 84 Weibel Avenue, Saratoga Springs, New York 12866 or the Community Hospice Foundation, 295 Valley View Blvd, Rensselaer New York 12144. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.