Obituary of Harry Soffer

HARRY SOFFER 1916-2011 Harry Soffer, age 95 of Schenectady, NY died on Saturday, October 22, 2011 at the Ellis Hospital in Schenectady. Born in Albany, Harry lived most of his life in Schenectady. He was a graduate of Albany High School and attended the Strasburg State University in Pennsylvania. Harry had owned and operated, David's Women's Clothing Store as well as David's Child Clothing Store both on upper Union Street in Schenectady and was retired. He was a member of Congregation Agudat Achim in Schenectady and was a lifelong athlete and an avid sports enthusiast. Harry was a star basketball player for the Albany Jewish Community Center and was a champion level badminton and tennis player. He had been playing tennis for more than 50 years until the age of 88. Harry was also an avid bridge player, having played up to recently and had been active in many Synagogue and Community organizations and boards. Family was very important to Harry and he had a great love for his children and grandchildren. Harry is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn Cohen Soffer whom he married in 1940. He is also survived by his children, Priscilla Soffer Hoffnung of Jamaica Plains, Massachusetts (Linda Gavin), Randall M. Soffer (Susan L.)of Conroe, Texas and Douglas J. Soffer (Melinda W.) of Arlington, Virginia. Brother of Sanford Soffer of Albany. Grandfather of Dr. Aaron Hoffnung, Justin D. Sofer, Jessica E. Soffer , Jeffrey A. Soffer and Audrey P. Soffer. Great grandfather of Isaac and Naomi Hoffnung. Harry was predeceased by his sister, Esther Soffer. Services at Congregation Agudat Achim, 2117 Union Street Schenectady, NY on Monday, October 24, 2011 at 1:30pm. Interment will follow in the Agudat Achim Cemetery in Rotterdam, NY. The period of mourning will be observed at the Soffer residence on Monday following the service of interment and on Tuesday. Those wishing to remember Harry in a special way may make a memorial contribution to either Congregation Agudat Achim or the Harry Soffer Memorial Fund at the Schenectady Jewish Community Center, 2565 Balltown Road Schenectady, NY 12309.