Samuel M. Saulsbery

Samuel "Jack" Saulsbery
05.04.1928 -01.27.2019

Samuel "Jack" Mulvare Saulsbery, 90, passed away late on Sunday, Jan. 27, 2019. Jack was a man of strong resolve and was fiercely independent for as long as his body allowed.

Jack got an early start out in the working world, driving cab (without a license) by age 15 and joining the Navy at 16. He celebrated his 17th birthday aboard the U.S.S. Quincy in or around the Philippines, and was on the same heavy cruiser in Tokyo Bay on Sept. 2, 1945, when the Japanese surrender on the U.S.S. Missouri ended WWII.

Jack was very proud of his service during WWII. His favorite job in the Navy was shore patrol, where he'd keep other sailors in line and make sure they weren't bothering the local women.

Upon returning home, while living on Winthrop Street in Colonie, he met Anna Mottolese, who he married in 1948. They had four children and raised them in a house they built by hand on Quincy Street, a road with the same name as his naval ship. They enjoyed bowling and would often go out dancing into the wee hours of the morning. A particular favorite dance of theirs was the Jitterbug, where Jack would throw Annie up in the air and through his legs.

Into their elder years, the two would drive up to Lake George for a yearly summer dinner cruise. Annie passed away 12 years ago, and Jack missed her dearly for the rest of his days.

After his naval service, Jack began a long career driving tractor trailer for the Tobin Packing Company. For years he served as president of the Tobin drivers' union and later became a manager at the company. During the 1960s, he pushed Tobin to break the color barrier and hire African American drivers for the first time. Though he took some heat for it then, he was a fair man, and knew that if someone was willing to be a hard worker, they should have the right to a good job.

After retiring from Tobin, Jack shuttled mail locally for the US Postal Service for next 10 years. He was a hardworking man, and his children all exhibit his strong work ethic.

Jack was member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and a lifetime member of the Colonie Elks, all of which gave him great pride.
He is survived by his four children, Jo Anne, Bruce (Deb Bigelow), Richard (Regina), and Stephen, as well as his six grandchildren, Jonathan, Kathryn (Robert DeFelice Jr.), Rachel, Gabrielle, Angela, and Joseph. He was predeceased by his beloved Annie; parents, Daniel and Rose (Duker) and step-father, Harold "Pappy" Snyder; siblings Bee Woodruff and Evelyn Hootman; and his daughter-in-law Irene, wife of Stephen.

Two of Jack's best friends, Trooper and Jenna, also predeceased him--they were his two favorite four-legged companions, and he kept photos of them mounted on the wall in his home long after they each died.

Jack was quick witted, perhaps even a little spunky, and had some amazing stories to share. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the Disabled American Veterans or Paralyzed Veterans of America.

Visitation for Jack will be held New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie on Tuesday, February 5, 2019 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home at 1:00 pm. Entombment will immediately follow the service at Memory Gardens, 983 Watervliet Shaker Rd., Colonie.