Obituary of Harris Sanders
Harris had an enjoyable life for over ninety - one years. He was born May 23, 1927, son of Andrew and Sophie (Bogen) Sanders and he passed away most peacefully on September 18, 2018. He attended public schools in Albany and graduated from Philip Schuyler High School. He enlisted in the Navy during World War II. After military service, he returned to Penn State University College of Arts and Architecture from which he received his degree. In 1954, Harris married Pearl (Peppy) Mintzer and he started his architectural practice.
Harris is survived by his beloved wife and his children Larry and Clara Sanders, Alan and Leiz Sanders, Linda and David Ginsburg, and Daniel and Michelle Sanders, his adored grandchildren Gary and Meghan Ginsburg, Joshua and Caitlin Sanders, Jeremy Sanders, Eric and Joshua Cooper-Ginsburg, Ben, Jacob, Gabriela, Rozara, Eliana, and Talia Sanders and great-grandchildren Quinn and Mackenzie Sanders and Eitan Ginsburg in addition to many nieces and nephews. Harris was predeceased by his parents, his sister Esther Levine, brother David Sanders, and great-granddaughter Emma Ginsburg.
Harris enjoyed sketching, exercise, ice fishing, and extensive travel. He and Peppy travelled throughout North, Central, South America and the Caribbean, Europe, the Middle East, East Africa, and Asia. One of his particular pleasures was visiting his children during their time abroad.
Harris designed many residential, commercial, and religious buildings and received an international design award. He also received acclaim over the years for the placement of “Nipper”, the 25 foot high dog on the roof of the old RTA building, where he sits and watches over his hometown.
Harris was a member of a number of fraternal and religious organizations over the years, including the Optimists’ Club, the Masons, the JCC, and Temple Israel and was a board member of Community State Bank.
Services will be held at Temple Israel, 600 New Scotland Avenue on Thursday, September 20th at 11:00 a.m. Burial is at Temple Israel Cemetery, Western Avenue, Guilderland, NY. Shiva will be observed at 32 Carstead Drive, Slingerlands NY on Thursday following the burial until 4 p.m. and in the evening from 7 until 9 p.m., Friday from 12 noon until 3 p.m., Saturday evening from 7:45 p.m. until 9: 30 p.m., and Sunday from 12 noon until 3 p.m.
Donations in Harris’ memory may be made to Temple Israel, Albany, the Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York, or Jewish Family Services.
