Walter James Supley Jr.

Ballston Spa, NY - On the evening of January 16, 2022, Walter passed away suddenly at Saratoga Hospital, Saratoga Springs, NY. He was 70 years old. Born in Schenectady, NY to Elsa (Rossi) and Walter James Supley Sr., Walter attended Mohonasen High School in Rotterdam, NY and went on to college at SUNY Farmingdale where he studied Advertising Art & Design. While there he met the love of his life and wife of 50 years, Nanette (Hill) Supley. When Walter returned to Schenectady, he worked side by side with his mother and together they started their own business in 1978: the Creative Advantage.From those humble beginnings 44 years ago, the company went on to grow and become very successful, serving some of the biggest names in business around the world. Walter was so proud of what he and the CA team he built were able to accomplish - from the Olympic Games in Lillehammer and the world's first free-world tradeshow in Moscow to the fun times he helped create at Pebble Beach and the 21 Club in New York.To his Creative Advantage "family" Walter was a friend, mentor and incredible leader, a creative powerhouse year after year. His endless talent was surpassed only by his honesty, integrity, and compassion for others. He was always an inspiration to everyone who had the pleasure of working with him (and for him) and seeing firsthand what world-class professionalism looked like. He had a way of bringing out the best in people, nurturing skills they thought they'd never have, showing them places they thought they'd never see, and accomplishing remarkable goals they never knew they could achieve. It was an amazing ride and Walter was the passionate guy in the driver's seat.Then there was his affection for cars. It came from his father who helped Walter build his custom van "the Midnight Sun" and his dune buggy sponsored by Genesee Beer. He won numerous trophies at "van ins" across the Northeast. His love for auto racing came at a very young age as well. Walter grew up racing slot cars, soap box derby, watching "modified's" at Albany Saratoga Speedway, and later attended IndyCar, IMSA and Formula 1 races at Daytona, Watkins Glen, Indianapolis, Detroit, Long Beach, Montreal and Silverstone.One of the deepest beliefs that Walter carried his whole life was "never forget your roots" and Saratoga Lake held a special place in his heart. With several properties on the lake, he enjoyed lounging and cooking at his pavilion with Nan or sitting on the edge of the waterfront enjoying a cocktail or two. Walter especially enjoyed holiday parties at the pavilion and began, on his 50th birthday, a tradition of hosting Thanksgiving for his family that has continued through the years. He prized his car and tractor collection housed in the pole barn he built on top of the hill overlooking the lake at Turtle Pointe Farms.Walter was determined to help protect the lake for future generations and served on the Board of Directors of the Saratoga Lake Association for many years. He was also the current Malta Commissioner for the Saratoga Lake Protection and Improvement District.Walter was predeceased by his father, Walter J. Supley Sr., his mother, Elsa R. Supley, and his brother Kent Supley. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years Nanette (Hill) Supley, siblings Gary (Marge Boyea) Supley, Elsa (Theodore) Mottola, Liz (Victor) Mazzotti Sr., Paula (Daniel) Bowers, Clark (Rose) Supley, Erica (Todd) Reichelt. Nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews, Christopher (Erin) Panetta (McKenzie, Rylee), Laurissa (Matt) Whittington (Owen, Hudson), Theodore (Jessica) Mottola (Lena, Joan), Victor Jr. (Danielle) Mazzotti (Ella), Philip (Nicole) Mazzotti (Sophia, Isabella, Mia), Erynne (Ryan) Neimes, Michael Supley, Nicholas Supley, Autumn Reichelt and several cousins.Thank you to the Malta ambulance, Saratoga County Sheriff and the doctors and nurses at Saratoga Hospital.The family would like to send a special thank you to Paul and Debbie Hoffman for their friendship and support and they will forever be considered family.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to City Mission of Schenectady, PO Box 760 Schenectady NY 12301 and Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1850 Union Street, Niskayuna, NY 12309.Relatives and friends are invited to call from 11:00am to 1:00pm, Friday, January 28 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518-584-5373) followed directly by a funeral home service. For those who wish to watch remotely, the funeral home service will be livestreamed on the William J. Burke & Sons Facebook page.Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com https://www.lastingmemories.com/walter-james-supley-jr