Obituary of Sanford A. Bookstein
As in life, Sanford was peaceful and gentle when he died at home during the early hours of July 14, 2018 at the age of 91. Sanford, the son of Gertrude and Myron Bookstein, was born and lived in Albany his entire life, except during his years of college and Navy service. His earliest passion was scouting and he became an Eagle Scout at 14.
At 17, he graduated from The Milne School and immediately entered the Naval Officer’s Training Program at Tufts University. Since he was not immediately needed for service, he continued his education and in 1948 he completed a Master’s in Business at Wharton and began working as a CPA at Urbach Kahn & Werlin. He left the firm in 1952 when he was called up to active duty for the Korean War.
In March 1953, he took leave to return to Albany to marry Joyce Hellman. After completing his service, he began working with his father-in-law, Neil Hellman, to help grow the movie theater, hotel and real estate businesses. It was at this time, that he became fondly known by the staff as “Mr. B.” His entrepreneurial spirit took root in 1971 with his decision to build the Capital District’s first indoor tennis club.
In 1986, Sanford became “Pop” when his first grandchild was born. All of his children and great grandchildren brought him much joy and he meant the world to them.
He is survived by his devoted, loving wife of 65 years, Joyce, his sister: Marjorie Kagan, his brothers-in-law: Alan Iselin and Max Kraus, his children: Paul Bookstein (Donna), Juli Karson (Dan) and Donald Bookstein (Helene), his grandchildren: Jonathan Bookstein , Andrew Bookstein (Jess), Sarah Bookstein, Sam Karson, Allison Bookstein, Evan Karson, his step-grandchildren: Dawn Dilda, Denyse Duke, Deena Duke, Jeff Garber (Ryan), Rachel Dymond (Gabe), Caren Droesch (Mike) and great grandchildren: Leah, Lacey, Bradley, Isabella and Claire.
Services at Congregation Beth Emeth, 100 Academy Road in Albany, NY on Tuesday, July 17, 2018 at 12:30pm. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers contributions in Sanford’s memory may be made to the Congregation Beth Emeth General Fund.
