Alan Joel Sandler

1947 - 2018

Sandler, Alan Joel WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. Alan Joel Sandler passed away on October 10, 2018. He was 71 years old. He was born on February 4, 1947, in Brooklyn to Milton and Mildred Sandler. He refused to give up his downstate accent and was proud of his city driving skills. Alan was a state champion runner, varsity wrestler, surfer, and enjoyed fishing with his father. He could always make people laugh. His sense of humor was contagious, and he would always lighten up a room. After graduating from Mepham High School in Bellmore, N.Y. in 1965, he attended the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut. His sophomore year he was blessed to meet his soulmate, Harriet, and they were married in 1970. Alan then attended and graduated from the New York School of Podiatric Medicine. Alan was a board certified podiatric surgeon who was beloved by his patients. He opened his own practice with offices in Clifton Park and Rotterdam. He was an active member of the New York Society of Podiatric Medicine. There were many times when family or friends would complain about a foot issue and the living room chair was converted into a makeshift doctors office. He was passionate about his career and having the opportunity to alleviate pain and help people. He was a board member of the Schenectady JCC and a congregant at Agudat Achim for many years, an associate of Hadassah, and he supported his wife Harriet's devotion to the organization. They are Keepers of the Gate, supporting Hadassah annually, as well as supporting Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York and various environmental and public health organizations. Alan combined his love of skiing and providing medical care by volunteering with the National Ski Patrol. He loved spending time at Maple Ski Ridge, where his children learned to ski, keeping the mountain safe and mending skiers. He spent many happy summers on Long Beach Island, N.J. His days were spent fishing, kayaking, napping on the beach, visiting the Dairy Queen, and making driftwood art. He also loved golf, photography, scuba diving, traveling, projects, shopping, and being active. Alan left behind his beloved wife of 48 years, Harriet Sandler; his children, Matthew and Jonathan Sandler; a daughter-in-law, Jennifer; grandchildren, Leo and Micah; a younger sister, Arlene Haber; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Neil and Ruth Hilsen. Spending time with his family brought him great joy. He died peacefully at his home in Albany, with his family surrounding him; and content with the life he lived. This is a testament to the man he was, the life he created, his generosity, and is affirmed by the outpouring of love and support before and after his passing. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. A memorial service in his honor will be held on Sunday, October 14, at 2 p.m. in the Levine Memorial Chapel, 649 Washington Ave., Albany. Shiva, a meal, and evening services will follow at the home of Andrea and Neil Packer in Niskayuna. Those wishing to remember Alan in a special way may make a memorial donation to Community Hospice, Memorial Sloan Kettering or the United Jewish Federation of Northeastern, New York. For directions or to leave a condolence message for the family, please visit, levinememorialchapel.com