Photo courtesy of William J. Burke & Sons / Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes
SARATOGA SPRINGS, New York
Sep 18, 1951 – Jul 18, 2025
Saratoga Springs, NY - Walter Dean Jennings, Jr., 73, of Saratoga Springs, passed away on July 18, 2025. He was born on September 18, 1951, to the late Walter and Marjory Jennings.
Walter pursued his passion for education, earning a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from SUNY Adirondack and Plattsburgh. He later went on to earn a Master of Science and a Master’s in Educational Administration. He dedicated 40 years to the Saratoga School System, teaching at Division Street and Maple Avenue. He was also an active and committed member of the teachers' union, holding many positions over the years and consistently advocating for all.
Long Lake held a special place in Walter's heart. It was where he enjoyed fishing, hunting, and sharing adventures with his father, uncles, brothers, cousins, and friends. His passion for family history sparked an interest in travel, leading him and his wife, Sue, to explore historical sites around the world.
Walter was a proud 49-year member of the Saratoga-Wilton Elks, served on the Wilton Zoning Board of Appeals, and was a member of the Kempshall Mountain Club.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Sue, and their daughter, Cynthia. He also leaves behind his brothers, Wayne Jennings (Linda), Larry Jennings (Sharon), and John Jennings; and his brothers-in-law, John Conway (Marcia), Tim Conway (Denise), Michael Conway (Melody), and Ted Conway.
In addition to his parents, Walter was predeceased by his sons, Daniel and Dean.
Relatives and friends are invited to call at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY, on July 24, 2025, from 4 PM to 7 PM.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Clement's Church, 231 Lake Avenue, on Friday, July 25, 2025, at 11:00am.
Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family.
Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com
Read MoreMy condolences to the Jennings family. I had the great pleasure/honor to student teacher with Walt in 5th grade at Division Street. His guidance and support gave me an excellent start to my 37 years in the education field. He will be greatly missed.
Maureen LaBelle
July 28, 2025 | Saratoga, NY | Teacher
Our thoughts remain in support to each of you. He was an amazing and genuine man. As an educator, Walt was such an advocate for his family, students and fellow teachers. It was always an education to talk and listen, as he shared any adventure, travel tip or historical point of interest wherever your family visited. Kindly remain comforted by the thousands of students he taught, supported and nurtured with pride. His legacy will continue in your family and will long be remembered. He is in...
Michele and Mark Phillipd
July 26, 2025 | Saratoga Springs, NY | Friend
I'm very sorry to hear of Walts passing. I taught with him at Division Street before moving on to. Dorothy Nolan. He was a wonderful an respected teacher and colleague. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Tina Borden
July 26, 2025 | Saratoga Springs, NY | Coworker
Very sorry to hear this. I absolutely loved having Mr. Jennings as my teacher at Division Street back in the 80’s. Such a great man.
Dave Loeffler
July 26, 2025 | Oneonta, NY | Student
We are all sad to hear of Walt’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Sue and family. Walt would send us beautiful pictures of his travels and we always looked forward to seeing where he and Sue would venture next. We will all miss seeing him and his big smile come into the office. Rest in peace Walt, your AAA family
[email protected] Cinella
July 26, 2025 | Saratoga, NY | Friend
Mr. Jennings was my 6th grade teacher at Division Street for the 1988-1989 school year. I also had him for 3rd grade because he switched grades that year. He was a great teacher and had very high expectations of all of us. I remember him telling us how much he liked fishing and how important his family was to him. My condolences to all and may he rest in peace.
EMILY BERGMANN
July 25, 2025 | Saratoga Springs, NY | Student
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Jeff & Barb church and family
July 25, 2025 | Kingston, PA | Family
We will always remember Walt for his kind and compassionate spirit and his zest for teaching. He was so proud of his lovely family and he always had a big smile on his face when he talked about his kids, or his wife, Sue . Walt was an advocate for all teachers and he and Peter and many others worked together for many hours as members of the Saratoga Teachers’ Union to advocate for all the teachers in the Saratoga District. We send our deepest sympathy to Sue and his entire family. He was...
Carol and Peter Kurto
July 25, 2025 | Saratoga Springs, NY | Friend
My deepest sympathy to Sue and family. I had the privilege of working with Walt in Red Spring. His support and collaboration made our Spring special. As a colleague, he made me a better administrator. As a friend, a better person.
Jen Drautz
July 24, 2025 | Latham, NY | Friend