Jay Baron, 77, of Guilderland, New York, passed away on May 28, 2024 after a long illness.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Jay had many fond memories of his early days playing in the schoolyard with his friends and cheering for his boyhood hero, Mickey Mantle.  Jay graduated from Sheepshead Bay High School in 1964, where he was accomplished in basketball and track & field.  

He attended Eastern Montana College on a basketball scholarship and graduated from SUNY Brockport, where he met his wife of 52 years, Kathy.

Jay moved to the Capital District in 1971, ultimately settling in Guilderland, where he enjoyed coaching and serving as a booster for his son's various sports teams.  

He enjoyed a long career at the Albany Jewish Community Center, from which he retired in 2004 after serving as Executive Director for a decade.  During his 30+ years at the JCC, Jay proudly impacted the lives of countless individuals and formed relationships that would last a lifetime.  Most who knew him considered him to be a true mensch.

During his retirement, Jay enjoyed the company of his many friends, both new and old.  He enjoyed kibbitzing with his various breakfast and lunch groups, he was an avid sports memorabilia collector, and he rarely missed an inning of New York Yankees baseball.  Most of all, Jay looked forward to and enjoyed spending time with his beloved grandchildren.  

He is predeceased by his parents, Irving and Hilda Baron, and brother, Lloyd Baron.  He is survived by his wife, Kathleen (Brockett) Baron; his son and daughter-in-law, Matthew and Lindsay Baron, of Andover, Massachusetts; his four grandchildren, Jack, Julia, Alexander, and Isaac Baron; his aunt and uncle, Sheldon and Susan Kruger, of Long Island, New York; his aunt, Claudia Kruger, of Stanford, California; as well as cousins, in-laws, and niece.  

His family wishes to express their thanks to Tufts Medical Center, where he was treated with compassion and grace throughout his illness, as well as to his many friends for their continued love and support.  He was blessed to have more loyal and caring friends that can be named in this space, but they know who they are and they will always hold a place in our hearts. 

In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution can be made in Jay's name to the Sidney Albert Albany Jewish Community Center.  

Funeral services for Jay will be held on Friday May 31, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. at The Levine Memorial Chapel, 649 Washington Ave. in Albany.  Burial will follow at the Albany Hebrew Tailors Cemetery on Western Avenue.