Harold Albinder Obituary

Harold Albinder, a fearless force in agriculture, business, and life, passed away peacefully on June 21, 2025, at the age of 87. A visionary, a talker, a doer-Harold lived every day with relentless determination, bold ideas, and a passion that never dimmed.

Born on April 6, 1938, in Brooklyn, Harold Albinder was the son of Isadore and Ida Albinder. From an early age, he had a love for growing things-starting with his windowsill garden-and it blossomed into a lifelong career in agriculture. In 1957, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps, where he developed the discipline and resilience that shaped the bold, driven man we all came to admire.

After his service, Harold focused on building a life centered on family, hard work, and purpose. He married Lucila, the love of his life, and together they raised four children-Jacob, Danny, Lia, and Ari-passing on to them his values, tenacity, and spirit.

Harold poured his passion into agriculture and entrepreneurship, founding Hudson River Fruit Distributors in the Hudson Valley. He didn't just grow apples-he cultivated opportunity, always striving for excellence, honesty, and integrity. One of his greatest points of pride was Southern Vermont Orchards, a farm he acquired in the 1970s and cared for deeply. A respected leader in the apple industry, Harold was known for building strong, lasting relationships with growers, championing innovation, and treating everyone-from the orchards to the office-with genuine respect and care.

Harold's passion for the land was matched by his love for fishing and his unique ability to strike up a conversation with just about anyone, anywhere. He was unapologetically himself-bold, loyal, passionate, and endlessly curious. His Jewish faith deeply guided his life, and he proudly supported countless Jewish causes and community efforts with generosity and pride.
Harold was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, friend, and mentor. His legacy lives on in the land he loved, the company he built, and the countless lives he touched.
Harold enjoyed the later years of his life with his girlfriend Sondra Landsberg-Harris. Harold is survived by his girlfriend Sandy, his children Danny ( Susan), Lia , & Ari, 7 grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren. His influence, love, and legacy will continue to live on through them and through the many lives he touched.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Graveside services will be held on Sunday July 20, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Harold's home on 1076 Carpenter Hill Road in Bennington, VT.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Harold's honor can be made to the Hudson Valley Research Lab (https://www.farmhv.org/donate) or the Jewish Federation of Dutchess County (https://jewishfederationofdutchesscoun.givingfuel.com/jfeddc-donate) -organizations that reflect the values he held close.