Obituary of Howard J. Lasker

HOWARD J. LASKER Howard J. Lasker, age 92 of the Daughters of Sarah Nursing Center in Albany died on Monday afternoon, March 28, 2011 at the nursing center. Born in Brooklyn, NY, Howard was a graduate of Brooklyn College, class of 1940. Upon graduating he moved to Albany, NY where he accepted a job with NYS Government. In 1941 he entered the US Army and later entered the US Air Force where he served in China with the 14th Air force Flying Tigers as a fighter control officer. He was later promoted to the rank of Captain. Mr. Lasker had been the owner of the former New York Specialty Shop retiring several years ago. He was a member of Temple Israel in Albany, the Albany Jewish War Veterans Post # 105, the former Washington Masonic Lodge #85, Wadsworth Masonic Lodge, Albany City Lodge # 540 Knights of Pythias and was an Eagle Scout having earned the order of the arrow. Howard was the chairperson of the Four Chaplains Program at the VA Medical Center for 25 years and had also been the recipient of the award one year. He was also awarded the NYS Veteran of the Year Award. As a mason, Howard became a very dedicated volunteer at the VA Hospital having over 50 years and over 8000 hour of volunteer service there. For 15 years Howard had been the Masonic Service Association Representative to the hospital having been in charge of all Masonic programs. He was married to Shirley Rosenfeld Lasker until her passing in 2008. Loving Father of Alan Lasker and his wife Susan of Clifton Park, NY and Susan Krackehl and her husband Gene of Katonah, NY. Brother in law of Ruth and Leo Phaff of Albany, NY. Grandfather of Adam Lasker, Eric Lasker and Jonathan Krackehl and his wife Lindsey. Services at the Levine Memorial Chapel 649 Washington Avenue Albany, NY on Wednesday, March 30, 2011 at 12 noon. Interment will follow in the Temple Israel Cemetery in Guilderland, NY. The period of mourning will be observed at the home of Leo and Ruth Phaff, 14 North Pine Avenue in Albany on Wednesday from 4-7pm. Those wishing to remember Howard in a special way may make a memorial contribution to a charity of your choice.