Obituary of Lawrence Alfred

GUILDERLAND - Lawrence Michael Alfred, 61, passed away peacefully on February 7, 2013 at Albany Medical Center with his loving wife Susan and son David by his side. The oldest son of the late Leonard and Madeline Alfred, Larry was born in Albany and was a lifelong resident of the Capital District. He graduated from Milne High School and Western New England College. Larry was the President of Alfred's Fabric Centers, a chain of retail fabric, yarn and notions stores owned and operated by his family for more than 40 years. Larry was known for his warm, open and genuine spirit, helping and befriending many people from all walks of life. An avid tennis player and sports fan, he loved spending time in the Adirondacks, enjoying skiing in the winters, boating and entertaining in Lake George in the summers. He is survived by his wife Susan E. Backer Alfred, his son David Alfred (Amanda), granddaughters Ryan and Alexa of NYC, his brother Charles Alfred of Philadelphia, his brother Steven Alfred of Albany, his sister Amy Alfred Greenebaum (Robert), niece Jamie and nephew Lucas of Chicago, step-children Aubry and Stephen Schubert of Westchester, Jennifer Brooke Wagner of Boston, Michael Saltzman of Syracuse, brother and sister-in-law Dr.Jeffrey and Helene Backer and family of Niskayuna, aunt and uncle, Dr. Eugene and Augusta Leibowitz of Pittsfield, as well as many cousins and close friends. He was predeceased by first wife Risa and his beloved son Jason Alfred. He leaves behind his devoted canine companion, Miss Shuggy. He was a longtime member of Congregation Beth Emeth and the Knights of Pythias. Funeral services will be held Monday, February 11 at 1 p.m. at Congregation Beth Emeth, 100 Academy Rd. in Albany. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to remember Larry in a special way may make a contribution to the charity of their choice.