Photo courtesy of William J. Burke & Sons / Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes
SARATOGA SPRINGS, New York
Feb 28, 1951 – Oct 23, 2021 (Age 70)
Live Stream on Burke Funeral Home Facebook page newsfeed
Saratoga Springs - Rabbi Monte Robert Sugarman passed peacefully at home surrounded by loving family on 10/23/21 at 2:22am. Born in Brooklyn on 2/28/51 and raised in Jericho, NY, he attended Queens College and Tel Aviv University (BA in History), Antioch New England (MA in Counseling Psychology with emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy) and Rabbinical Seminary International.
Beloved as a spiritual leader, for over 22 years he led rites of passage services locally and internationally through Synagogue Without Walls - Or Chadash in Saratoga Springs, NY. As an independent modern Rabbi, he served all branches of Jewish orientation, unaffiliated Jews and all people with the intent of bringing Judaism and spirituality to diverse people, places and situations. When he started working as a chaplain for St. Peter’s Health Partners, he served at St. Mary’s Hospital in Troy, NY and spent the last 15 years at Schuyler Ridge, Clifton Park, NY, supporting families through life transitions, ceremonies and musical performances. He led with a personal touch and genuine heart. His ecumenical outlook immersed him with leaders and people of all religions fostering conversations of connectedness.
He was an accomplished guitarist embedding music in everything he did and interested in playing all genres of music. He had a passion for classical guitar and continued this study throughout his life. Known as a gentle, loving soul, he was committed to life as a Jew and to supporting Israel, studying the Torah portion every week and the Zohar. Traveling to Jerusalem was one of his favorite things to do.
Devoted to his family, he and his wife, Anna, spent time, in Israel every year with their son, David and his wife, Tal, and children, Harel and Maya; traveled to Maine often to enjoy time with their daughter, Rachel and granddaughter, Izabelle; and spent time in Florida with their son, Benjamin. They loved singing and playing guitar, making art, spending time at the beach, climbing mountains together and following Major League Baseball. The sounds of laughter and joy with his grandchildren filled his heart with love.
Monte is survived by his mother, Amalia Simon and sister, Risa Bellach, beloved wife, Anna, three children, (Rachel, David and Benjamin) and three grandchildren (Izabelle, Harel and Maya) who loved him dearly.
Funeral services will be held at 10am on Tuesday, October 26, 2021 at Congregation Shaara Tfille, 84 Weibel Ave, Saratoga Springs. Proof of vaccination, a photo ID, and face covering/mask will be required to attend. Burial will be the following day, Wednesday 10/27/21, at 1pm, in Mount Lebanon Cemetery in Glendale, NY.
For those who cannot attend in person, the funeral service will be live streamed from the William J. Burke & Sons Funeral Home Facebook page.
Shiva will be conducted at 8pm on 10/27, 7pm on 10/28, 7 pm on 10/30, and 7pm on 10/31 at Temple Sinai, Saratoga Springs, NY.
Contributions can be made to the Jewish National Fund, Community Hospice of Saratoga or Temple Sinai.
Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.
Read MoreSo very Blessed to work with Dear Rabbi Monte. That was a gift from God. And I 'll always remember when he led a group and you sang Anna! Tremendous! God Bless you and your family, Deb F.
Dan and Deb Feldman
October 23, 2024 | Scotia, NY | Coworker
Group of 10 Trees
Love Stephanie & Michael Jones
February 08, 2022
Monte , was that angel that happens to enter your heart and life at one of the most difficult times of my life. I will love him forever for giving me all the love and direction I needed as I watched both of my parents die . He sang to my dad on the day my father passed.
To his wife, mother, children and grands Monte loved you to end of the universe. Be at peace Xo
Lisa M.Evans
Lisa Evans
January 21, 2022 | Halfmoon, NY | Friend
Rabbi Monte will always hold a special place in our hearts. He was able to teach and lead Gil though his Bar Mitzvah with understanding and patience when others did not. Monte was such a unique person, and we are blessed to have had him in our lives. We are so saddened to hear of his passing, and our prayers and love flow forth to the family. May Rabbi Monte's life be an example and a his memory be a blessing to all.
Martha Dexter
December 02, 2021 | Saratoga Springs, NY | Student
I am shocked to hear of Monte's passing. From the days that I had Twice Told Used Books in Saratoga, through the years that I taught Hebrew at Temple Sinai, Rabbi Monte was a welcoming, warm staple in the Big World. I enjoyed his friendship in learning and teaching, both. Sending love and condolences to Anna and the family.
Ursula Abrams
November 10, 2021 | Troy, NY | Friend
So saddened to learn of the passing of Rabbi Monte Sugarman. He co-officiated our interfaith wedding in October of 2013. He brought us great comfort and peace from our first meeting to the days leading up to our wedding day. His guidance and calm demeanor were greatly appreciated by both families and will be remembered.
We extend our our sympathies and heartfelt condolences to his family. Rest In Peace Rabbi. The Jacobs Family.
Daniel & Jennifer
November 05, 2021 | Friend
So very sorry to hear of Rabbi Sugarman's passing. He officiated at our son's bar mitzvah and made the ceremony both meaningful and memorable
Lynn Nezin
November 05, 2021 | Other
Learning of Monte's passing has left my heart laden in sadness. We worked together at Schuyler Ridge where we enjoyed playing guitar and singing for the residents. Our paths crossed again when my Grandmother was at the end of her earthly journey at St. Mary's. My Grandmother sat up delighted to hear her private concert of Monte and I playing guitar and singing. Once again our paths would cross while I ran the activity dept at adult Daycare in Troy. Monte filled the hearts and souls of all...
Susan Paulo
November 05, 2021 | Valley Falls, NY | Friend
Monte was a great human being. I first knew him (and his whole family) as a patient, then as a friend, then as a tennis partner, then as best man at my wedding, then as chaplain when my mother in law was at Schuyler Ridge for 5 years. Our (my wife Adrienne and I) condolences to Anna, Rachel, David, and Benjamin.
John Cetner
November 02, 2021 | Ballston Spa, NY | Friend
