BRUNSWICK - Jay J. Zagursky, Sr., with hearts full of gratitude and sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved Jay Z, at home surrounded by family, on April 6, 2026. He left this world better than he found it, peacefully with a loving heart.

Jay’s roots were in Albany County, where he was born on July 15, 1943, with strong ties to Rensselaer County. Marrying the love of his life, Karen Walsh of Averill Park, led him to stay in Rensselaer County the rest of his days.

Upon honorable discharge from the U.S. Air Force, Jay returned home to Albany where he worked for Albany County Sheriff’s office and General Electric Co.. He had his sights set on becoming a New York State Trooper. Achieving that goal, he became a sworn member in 1966. He retired after 34 years of dedicated service. Jay embarked on his second career as Investigator with the Rensselaer County District Attorney’s Office soon after, remaining in that role for twenty plus years, reluctantly but joyfully retiring for a final time on his birthday.

Although Jay’s greatest legacy was his family, his role as Sergeant/Station Commander at SP Brunswick was a proud accomplishment in this life. It was a long held dream realized through resilience, integrity, loyalty, commitment, and dedication. A true testament to the honorable man  that he was.

He is survived by friends, too numerous to mention individually, whom he shared happy times playing games of chance (mostly poker at which he excelled), horse shoes, fishing at the Tomhannock and trout streams in NY and VT, building rock walls and cutting wood for his wood stove. After he semi-retired from fishing, he would hike through the beautiful trails of the Rensselaer Plateau. He continued to be an avid reader throughout his life.

He is survived by his loving, devoted wife Karen Walsh Zagursky and treasured children and family: Teri Zagursky Glasser (Thomas); Alexandria Zagursky Melaragno (James Badolato); and Jay J. Zagursky, II. Grandchildren: Tara L. Hulbert (Eric); Tyler J. Glasser (Stephanie Milos); Abagail Melaragno (David Venson); and Nicholas Melaragno (Kayla LaBreck). Great Grandsons: Cooper and Luke Hulbert; Oliver Glasser; and Carson Venson. Beloved Cousin Carol Viens (Charles); Brothers and Sisters-in-law Larry and Lois Walsh and Stephen and Rona Walsh; Nephew Sean Walsh; and Niece Amy Walsh.

Jay was pre-deceased by his cherished daughter Kerrie, parents Alexandra (Alice) Karol Zagursky and Julius Zagursky and fun-loving father and mother-in-law William Walsh and Marie (Benedict) Walsh.

Sincere thanks to all who provided care and support.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Jay’s name to the Trooper Foundation, Signal 30 Benefit Fund, or The Community Hospice of the Capital District.

Calling hours from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday. April 14 at Our Lady of Victory Church, North Lake Avenue, Troy, NY. On Wednesday, April 15,at 10:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Victory Church followed by interment at 1 p.m. at Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville, NY. We recommend using the brycefuneralhome.com website to share or send condolences, light a candle, view videos or for service directions.