LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION celebrating the life and accomplishments of
Harold Greenstein

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to mourn publicly the
death of cherished citizens of the State of New York who distinguished
themselves serving the citizens of their community with exemplary dedi-
cation and conscientious service; and
WHEREAS, It is with great sorrow this Legislative Body records the
passing of Harold Greenstein, distinguished citizen of Albany, New York,
on Saturday evening, May 25, 2013, in the comfort of his own home
surrounded by his loving family, at the age of 88; and
WHEREAS, Harold Greenstein, a gentle giant, was born on October 10,
1924 in New Britain, Connecticut, the youngest child and only son of
Edward and Sarah Wellins Greenstein; his sisters Lucile and Mabel are
both of blessed memory; and
WHEREAS, Harold Greenstein graduated from New Britain High School in
1942, where he was one of only two Jewish students who played football;
his childhood was tarnished by the death of his father when Harold was
just seven years old; as the youngest in a family with three women, he
was very shy as a child; and
WHEREAS, Upon graduation from high school, he attended Purdue Univer-
sity; after two years studying to become a chemical engineer, Harold was
drafted into the U.S. Navy to serve in World War II; he chose to be
educated in meteorology because the station in Lakehurst, New Jersey,
was the closest to his home; and
WHEREAS, After completing his training, his orders sent him to Pearl
Harbor, attached to CINPAC (Commander in Chief Pacific) on Admiral
Nimitz's personal staff; Harold Greenstein was discharged from the Navy
in 1946; and
WHEREAS, Two days after his discharge, his uncle Sam Greenstein went
to New Britain, Connecticut, and told Harold he was opening a wholesale
liquor distributorship in Albany; Harold thought about the G.I. Bill of
Rights, which would pay to send him back to school but, his mother said,
"You're going with Uncle Sam."; and
WHEREAS, Harold Greenstein would later recall that it turned out to be
the greatest advice he would ever receive; and
WHEREAS, He moved to Albany to work with his uncle, not knowing anyone
there; the liquor enterprise, Ramapo Wine and Liquor, did very well; his
career as salesman and sales manager spanned 42 years; and
WHEREAS, His best moment though was when he met Beverly Goldstein;
they were married for more than 53 years until Beverly's death in 2004
and he always believed that his luck was the best ever in Albany; and
WHEREAS, Mayor Corning, who held office for 40 years, looked to Harold
to run for the first elected school board; Mayor Corning then suggested
Harold run for the Albany Common Council; he won election to the Council
and he went on to also serve as Alderman of the 14th Ward for 20 years
and as the Majority Leader and head of the Law Committee; and
WHEREAS, Harold Greenstein would later serve the City of Albany as
Chairman of the Civil Service Commission, a Freedom of Information
Appeals Officer, Purchaser in the Albany County Purchasing Department
and as a Court Attendant at the Albany County Courthouse; and
WHEREAS, Harold Greenstein served under Mayors Corning, Whalen and
Jennings, all the while, making sure he was home every night for dinner;
and
WHEREAS, In addition to being a loving and devoted family man, Harold
Greenstein was a coach, a mentor and a best friend and will always be
remembered for his wit and wisdom; and

WHEREAS, Harold Greenstein is survived by his children, Edward (Cynt-
hia), Dr. Neal (Cindy), Michael and Nancy (Barry); as well as his grand-
children, Joshua (Allyson), Adam (Robyn), Jeffrey, Marcus (Myriam), Eric
and Matthew (Erica); several nieces and nephews; brother-in-law, Dr.
Arthur Goldstein (Sheila) and his special companion Claire Brandt; and
WHEREAS, Harold Greenstein was an active and valued member of the
Jewish War Veterans, Knights of Pythias and Congregation Beth Emeth; and
WHEREAS, Harold Greenstein not only brought his expertise to every
task, he brought his passion, enthusiasm, and experience as well; and
WHEREAS, Over his meritorious life, Harold Greenstein distinguished
himself as a man of values and commitment and of sincere dedication and
substantial contribution; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to pay
tribute to the memory of Harold Greenstein, to celebrate his life, and
to applaud his many accomplishments that future generations may know and
appreciate his admirable character and the esteem in which he was held;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Harold Greenstein with the deepest condolences
of this Legislative Body.