Columbus, OH — George J. Karam, 60, died April 16, 2019.

Born on Sept. 4, 1958, in Rome, N.Y., he was the son of the late George B. and Elizabeth (Abounader) Karam. He was a 1976 graduate of Rome Free Academy and for many years ran the family business, Thrifty Food Store.

On Dec. 5, 1997, he married his love, Joy Rolewicz, and together they moved to Saratoga Springs.

Mr. Karam had a lifelong passion for harness racing and horse ownership which led to a career in training and racing horses in Upstate New York. He also served as president of the Saratoga Harness Horseperson’s Association. This in turn led to his dream job of judging harness races. At the time of his passing he was the presiding judge at Yonkers Raceway.

Family was everything to Mr. Karam and his love, passion and special bond with his son was undeniable. His greatest joy was watching him excel into The Voice of the Saints and following all the local sports at Saratoga Catholic Central where Brandon is presently a junior.

Survivors include his wife, Joy; beloved son, Brandon; brothers, Douglas (Fredice) and Joseph (Jennifer); sister, Genevieve (Frank) Tallarino; sister-in-law, Jill (Henry) Koziarz; stepmother, Madeline; and several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends may call from 3-7 p.m. Tuesday (April 23) at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518.584.5373). A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday (April 24) at the historic Church of St. Peter, 241 Broadway, by Rev. Thomas H. Chevalier, pastor. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to an education fund set up for Brandon R. Karam, c/o Catskill Hudson Bank, 2452 State Route 9, Suite 104, Malta, NY 12020 (518.289.5463).