Paul Steinfeld

Halcott Center- Paul Steinfeld, 97 of Steinfeld Road died peacefully Saturday July 16, 2016 at St. Peter's Hospice in Albany. He was born December 28, 1918 in the Bronx , son of the late Henry and Jennie Cooper Steinfeld. He was a decorated World War II veteran, serving in the 95th Division of the US Army, which liberated the town of Metz in Northern France. Sergeant Steinfeld was wounded in combat , and earned the European African Middle Eastern Theatre Ribbon with two Bronze Stars, Combat Infantry Badge, the Purple Heart, and the Bronze Star Medal. He was the director of the Cottage School in Pleasantville, NY and was later promoted to the Associate Executive Director of the Jewish Child Care Association in New York City. Scholars have credited Paul with implementing transformative and inclusive policies throughout his career in social work . As a caseworker, the souls he rescued, have returned over and over throughout the years to express their sincere appreciation. That measure of his character speaks volumes. He has been a part time resident of the Halcott Valley since 1958, and a full-time resident in 1980. He and his wife established the Gilead Tree Farm, and he planted thousands of evergreen saplings which have majestically grown on the farm. Additionally, he was instrumental in developing the American Friends of Neot Kedumim, a Biblical Landscape Reserve in Israel. Paul was past president of the Catskill Forest Association, and a past member of the Margaretville Memorial Hospital Board of Directors. In 2004, Paul was honored by Congregation Bnai Israel in Fleischmanns for more than 20 years of service as its president. The theme focused on his strong 'sense of community'. In response to the honors given him, Mr. Steinfeld responded,"We are sustained by the strength of community and the spirit of helping one another". In his capacity on the Interfaith Council, Paul was known as the Great Communicator, because of the wisdom and experiences he brought to the Council. He also served as Town Justice for Halcott. Paul appreciated the beauty in nature. He has hiked every summit in the Catskills, Mount Marcy in the Adirondack High Peaks Region with an elevation of 5343', and was a member of the Catskill Mountain 3500 Club. The community has been enriched by the Steinfeld Family. Surviving are his wife with whom he just celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary on June22nd, Lillian Danis Steinfeld, two sons: Michael of NYC and Woodburne, and Joseph of Beacon, 4 grandchildren: Efrat, Aviad, Eliav, Amitai, and 10 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son Jonathan, daughter Beth, sister Judith Frankel, and brother Raymond Steinfeld. Services will be Monday July 18th at 2pm at Congregation Bnai Israel on Wagner Avenue, Fleischmanns. Burial will be in the family plot at the Bnai Israel Cemetery. The family will observe Shiva on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 6pm to 8pm with a service each evening at 7pm at their home on Steinfeld Road in Halcott. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of ones choice. E. B. Gormley Funeral Home 87 Main St. Phoenicia is honored to serve the Steinfeld Family. You may share a condolence on Paul's Memorial Page at www.gormleyfuneralhome.com