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Harvey B. Segal

Harvey Segal Obituary

Segal, Harvey B. ALBANY Harvey B. Segal, age 65, of Albany, N.Y., died on Tuesday, May 22, 2007 at the Hospice Inn at St. Peter's Hospital in Albany surrounded by his loving family. Harvey was born in Albany and was a lifelong resident. He was a graduate of the Albany High School, the Junior College of Albany, and Russell Sage College where he received his accounting degree. He was a certified public accountant in Albany for many years. Harvey was a member of Albany City Lodge #540 Knights of Pythias in Albany and was an avid golfer. He was known to many of his fellow golfers as "long ball" because of his long shots. He had also played hockey in high school and served as a goalie. Harvey will be remembered for his love and devotion to his family and as a loyal son to the late Albert and Mary Cohen Segal. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 36 years, Paula Aronson Segal and his two cherished daughters, Meridith Ann Dominy and her husband Edward of Albany, N.Y. and Debra Jill Segal, also of Albany. He also leaves his loving brothers, Jason Segal and his wife Mary Jo of San Mateo, Calif. and Edward Segal and his wife Lynne of San Francisco, Calif. as well as his loving sister, Edythe Segal Verbesky and her husband Allan of Mt. Arlington, N.J.; also five nieces and nephews and six great-nieces and nephews. Services at the Levine Memorial Chapel, 649 Washington Avenue, Albany on Friday, May 25, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow in the Beth Abraham Jacob Cemetery, Western Avenue Guilderland, N.Y. A period of mourning will be observed at the residence of Debby Segal, 104 Pinehurst Ave., Albany on Friday following the service of interment; commencing again on Saturday evening, and Sunday throughout the day, with a minion service at 7 p.m. The period of mourning will continue again on Monday evening. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research, 1111 Stewart Avenue, Bethpage, NY 11714 or the Rabbi Moshe Bomzer Discretionary Fund, c/o Congregation Beth Abraham Jacob, 380 Whitehall Road, Albany, NY 12208.

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Published by Albany Times Union from May 23 to May 24, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Harvey Segal

33 Entries

Sandy Alpert

June 5, 2007

To Paula, Debbie, Meredith, Jason, Edie and Eddie -
There has always been a soft spot in my heart for the "Segal Kids." It was so much fun to visit you. My Aunt Mary was so loving and welcoming, and my Uncle Al, with his cigar and dry sense of humor never failed to amuse me. It was such a happy, carefree household. You kids seemed to get away with everything, and as you may remember, the Trop Kids got away with nothing!!! I loved those visits.
We all grew up and some of us moved to far away places, and distance has prevented us from getting together very often, but my memories I will always hold very close.
I love all of you. Don and I send our deepest sympathy on your great loss.

Dolores & Stuart Grossman

June 4, 2007

dear paula & family, so sorry to hear of Harveys passing. I do remember how Stuart,Harvey and I used to kid around when we all had offices on Allen Street. Our prayers our with you. Dolores & Stuart Grossman

Marilyn Kohn (Levitz)

May 31, 2007

The Segal Famiy has always been and is very special to me . Our parents were very close friends and I can still picture Mary talking about her Harvela. Harvey will always have a special place in my heart. I will always remember his goodness and generosity. Bert and I extend our deepest condolences to Paula and the family. He will be missed by all who loved him.

Ed Segal

May 30, 2007

Eulogy for Harvey

I must say that I was honored and delighted when Paula and Meredith and Debbie asked me to do this. I know that writing it was easier than delivering it. I will likely have some weak moments and I know you appreciate that.
In our Yizkor services at our Temple in San Francisco, we always say this very beautiful prayer that was written by a former Rabbi at our Temple. It starts out,” Birth is a beginning, Life a journey and Death a destination. Today, I will talk about Harvey’s journey.
I will remember Harvey as my brother but more important he was my buddy, my friend and a lot of fun and a really good guy. In our house, Jason was the senior citizen and Edie the baby sister so they got their own bedrooms. Harvey and I were the tweeners so we shared a bedroom. We also played a lot together. Instead of calling others, we hung out together. We went to the local pond to play hockey and we also often played golf together. I remember some of the members of Shaker Ridge loved to kid around with Harvey. Even though Harvey and I could beat almost all of them, they made the junior golfers play the ladies tees. Jack Spitzer once asked Harvey if he liked to play with the ladies tees. We watched golf matches and hockey games on TV. Harvey loved his long driving. Every time I played with him and we had somebody with us that hit a long ball and teed off first, he would look at that long hitter and say, “That was a great drive. You hit it pretty good didn’t you? He would proceed to simply fly his ball past the long hitter and give that great grin after he hit. The funny thing was he had such a beautiful golf swing, he did not have to swing very hard. He really got that big tusch into the ball.

He reminded me only a few weeks ago of the time we went to play hockey in Troy at a local pond. We were surprised and delighted that we ended up playing with some of the players from the 1954 R.P.I. hockey team that won the NCAA championship that year. That was awesome!

The most embarassing hockey story for me was when we went to the pond one day and Harvey was playing goalie and I took a shot and dam if the puck went onto his stick and right into his mouth and I knocked his front teeth out. That was one of his favorite stories for many years. I’ll bet Paula and Meridith and Debbie heard that one fifty times if they heard it once.

Everybody loved Harvey. My father in law Nahman used to call him Harvala. He attracted people because he was a big teddy bear. He made my wife , Lynne feel like a real sister. She never had a brother and she felt like Harvey filled that role. He always wanted to help and he really adored children. That was pretty clear in his relationship with Meridith and Debbie.

It was always entertaining to watch Edie and Harvey go at it. When the six of us would go in the car together, Jason and I got in the back seat and Edie and Harvey would lay claim to the third seat in the front with my father and mother. This was battle no. 1 in many between the youngest siblings. . Later on Harvey loved to tell people that Edie was coming into town on her broom. I must tell you that Edie was there for Harvey right through the course of his illness and we all appreciate that very much.

Harvey loved to kid around. He definitely got the kidding from our mother as she was the one who enjoyed him most. I asked him only a few weeks ago if he thought he was Mom’s favorite. He told me only when he was a teenager did he think so. She adored him and seeing them together was beautiful. The closeness and strength of our family is a tribute to our mother who somehow spread her love to the kids in a wonderful way.

Telling stories about old times was one of his favorites. The notorious Segal boys were the center of many of his stories even though when it came to trouble, he was the ring leader. One of his best was how he drove the car at night before he could legally do so. As most of you know, in our house on Western Ave.,our parent’s bedroom was right above the driveway the car was parked in. Harvey often would come home at 11 p.m. and either start the car when a truck came by or push it out of the driveway. I don’t know how many times he reminded me of the time our father Al was picked for speeding three times in one day and Harvey was only about ten years old when it happened. Our aunt Gertrude (our Mom’s brother’s wife) was petrified of us. When we would go to their house on any number of Jewish Holidays she would worry for days about the coming onslaught of the Segal Boys. By the time we got to her house, she was visibly a nervous wreck.

Ellie Safranco reminded me only a few weeks ago when we were in high school and lived on Western Ave, she would drive by the corner where our house was and she was not sure of anything that might come flying out the window or what might happen there

Harvey adored his wife and children.

Harvey loved to help his friends. You could always count on him. You can see that here today as so many of you have been Harvey’s friends since childhood. Isn’t that wonderful to have such very good friends for such a long time.

He also adored children. My sons Matthew and Ned both sent notes to Harvey that showed more than anything else how Harvey interacted with children and how much he cared about people.

Keep in mind that we moved to California when Matthew was six years old and Ned was two yet they had fond memories of Uncle Harvey. Matthew is an Uncle now and he even mentioned that Harvey’s interaction has affected how he now feels about his nephew and niece. ( I read Matthew’s note here.)I am proud of Matthew and Ned for such beautiful notes but my point is quite different from that. Their notes are symbolic of how people reacted to Harvey and how much he adored children.
Ned had the same loving feeling about Harvey. Somehow when adults are around children there is some sense of how they care. I am proud that Matt and Ned came here today like all of you to show their love and respect for Harvey.

Paula has done all you can ask to support Harvey. She wanted so badly to help him at a time when cancer was overtaking him. She really adored him. Harvey loved his Merzie and Debbie.

While Edie was closer than the California Segals, Jason was also there making trips from California and calling regularly. I know that Mom would have been proud of the family support that she worked so hard to teach us.

As I look around here today, I see what Harvey’s friends thought of him. I thank you for being a part of paying our final respects to my buddie and brother. Harvey had a large group of good friends because he was a good friend.

We are blessed with a thoughtful, caring and wonderful family. Our cousins Mimi and Selma (Al loved to call them the Cohenzies) flew up only a few weeks ago from Washington, D.C. just to see Harvey. Cousins Larry, Jeffrey, Kenny and Burt Segel were there for Harvey and Paula at this difficult time. Aunt Evelyn simply can not be beat. She has always been so caring and supportive.

So that is what I can tell you about Harvey’s journey. Now , he has reached his destination. I realize it is nice to say that we have wonderful memories of Harvey but I can not help but say , today is a sad day. Harvey was a husband, a father, a brother, a cousin and a friend but most of all to all of us he was a friend and a buddie who in his own way made our lives better. Thank you Harvey from all of us for being so caring and loving and being there for us. We know that our lives were better because of our friendship with you. Thanks for the memories. I love you and I will miss you.

Your loving brother,
Eddie

Edythe (Edie) Segal Verbesky

May 29, 2007

Harvey, my wonderful bother , caring and loving of life and good times will be sorely missed in Albany.
I had the honor of speaking at his funeral and the following is a synopsis of one of our final conversations:
Trip around Albany
Harvey asked for his pants, shirt and said let’s get in the car, I said why? And he told me he needed to say good bye to an Albany where he grew up in and loved so much.
I asked Harvey which one of his many, many cars would he like to go in, the Chevy, Chrysler, Corvette, Buick or any number of cars that caught his fancy at whatever time he felt he was getting such a deal………. He of course said the Big One!
1st Stop where all of our lives started at:
• 210 South Main, although we did a few years in Troy, it was really Albany, Dear Albany Harvey so loved. Many of you remember some of the ‘special greetings the boys gave from the ‘balcony’ In front of the Rabbi, I do not think it needs repeating!
• 2nd Stop,Yes, then 579 Western Avenue, the house where half of Albany grew up at. There are many wonderful stories from that big old house, all to include something Harvey was up to. Mostly having or planning a good time. After his Bar Mitzvah, he thought he would learn how to drive at an early age, so after Mom and Dad went to sleep, the keys were put into the ignition and as soon as a big noisy truck came by the car would go on and off he would go!!!!!!!!!!!!!
• I don’t know why we ever kept the door locked, all of Albany, from Jason’s friends, Eddie’ Harvey and mine, we knew the ‘secret’ hiding place … on a hook, right next to the lock!
• As we go south on Western we pass
• School 16 where his gang really started as I believe the first of his many in house card games……..
• As we continue and bear over to the right and we go to Joe’s …….how many good times, meals, drinks, laughs and tears we had there. Always reminding Al, that his car was still running, in the middle of the street, like near the no pass line! Mary’s laugh would radiate through the restaurant as she would always ‘brag’ about all her kids, but especially her ‘little Harvela’ Yes he was her Teddy bear first than became that to all of us who loved his spirit, compassion and love of life so.
• Continuing down we would approach Albany High School. Oy …. I guess a good way to sum up High School was when a teacher on my first day, said you spell your name SEGAL, are you another one of them?? As I tried to look embarrassed, I actually was quite proud to say Of course, and yes Harvey’s sister too…………., do you have a problem with that?
• Parties were synonymous, with Harvey, as a planner, promoter and one to be in the middle of all that is good and loving; however figuring out how I should get Mom out of the house so he could move in the kegs of beer and proceeded to charge a buck to everyone who showed up, including teachers!
• Certainly, all during our growing up years we made many trips, just outside the City to our beloved Shaker Ridge…A Golfer with the longest drive in the Capital area, Yes your were Eddie’s best partner. And still proud to drive the ball the farthest, with Mom as your biggest fan walking proud by you.
• We also made a swing by the Capital, then on down near Jack’s, another one of our favorite restaurants.
• As we came back up towards our next stop it was the apartment you shared with Dad, Such roommates, to say they were like Oscar and Felix, could be a correct statement. At that address I said to Harvey I want to leave he said 'it's okay, I am here'
• Then your addresses took on a new meaning in Albany, you called me one day and said, I went to see Doc. Rosenstock and wow does he have someone special working for him………so now the trip became on with a special addition, Paula and you moved onto Joy Lane, I think that was the name. And there the next generation of the Harvey family came to be, with Meridith, you affectionate name was Merzi…and then Debbie, How beautifully your girls are and how this wonderful trip continued.
• Then of course Lenox Avenue; another happy house with lots of happy memories.

• Compassionate beyond words

• Sincere

• Giving of himself

• First to offer his help in any situation

• Always giving wonderful advice, especially as our every loving Accountant
For Jason, our 1st and oldest, the one that attempted to keep you in line,
Eddie and myself, please say hi to Mom and Dad, you are once again in their wonderful arms.
I will always love and cherish my wonderful brother Harvela.

A few words to Paula, Merz and Debbie and thanks to all who cared and kept coming ..

Becky Harrington

May 29, 2007

Meredith and Debbie,

Peace be with you both at this time and may memories linger in your heart.

Richard & Marlene Segel

May 26, 2007

Dear Paula,Jason, Eddie, Edith, and family
Although we have not seen you in many years, we were shocked to hear of Harvey's passing. Our thoughts are with you. Cousins Marlene & Richard Segel

Judy Katz-Battista

May 26, 2007

Dear Paula,
I was deeply saddened to hear of your loss. I will remember Harvey as ture and loyal friend who brought laughter and good times whenever we were together. He will always be a part of the Goldberg and Katz family and will remain in our hearts forever.

LORI FLEISCHMAN

May 25, 2007

I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR LOSS. I HAVE MANY WONDERFUL MEMORIES OF HARVEY AND THE WONDERFUL FRIENDSHIP THAT HE AND MY FATHER SHARED. MY THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU.
LORI(GOLDBERG)FLEISCHMAN- FLORIDA

Heather Schumacher

May 25, 2007

Meridith-
my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. I am sorry for your loss.

Jeffrey Cohen

May 25, 2007

Dear Merideth, Paula, and Debbie,
I am deeply sad for your loss. I wish and your family love. I know that I always had great golf partner on father's day and also a great friend to my father. I only hope to have friend that my father had with Harvey.

Love,
Jeffrey Cohen

Audrey Goldberg Radzivill

May 25, 2007

Dear Paula and Family,
I am so sorry to learn of your loss of Harvey. He was a great man and a wonderful friend.
Special memories began when Harvey introduced me to Paul,and our friendship continued for many years.
MY whole family still speaks of Harvey with great fondness, and we all will mourn his passing.
He will be very missed.
Fondly,
Audrey Goldberg Radzivill

todd goldberg

May 25, 2007

Dear Paula,
I have lots of fond childhood memories of Harvey staying at our house in fla. He was a true friend to my father. I am so sorry for your loss. Todd Goldberg

Andreya Drury

May 25, 2007

Merideth and family,

Our sympathies and heartfelt condolences go to all of you. We know how hard all of this is. Katharine will be waiting to give you a big hug when you get back to Rm. 13.
Love, The Drurys

Roz Winston

May 25, 2007

Dear Bet, Debbie, Meridith & Ed,

I feel so blessed that I was able to spend a few days with all of you and Harv last month. The love and caring you all showed to this special man will always be etched in my memory.
Harvey had heart of gold and I am thankful for the 37 years he was a member of our family. We certainly had some fun times and wonderful conversations. I picture his smiling face at Meridith's wedding and Betty's party last June plus the times he ate my ruggies and light & dark squares. I will miss not being able to bring him sweets.
Although we will not be with you at the funeral our love and thoughts will be with each of you including Eddie, Jason, Edie and their families. May you find comfort knowing he is no longer in pain and he is resting in peace with other members of our dear family.
All our love,
"Rozzie" & Mike

Jessica Calarco

May 24, 2007

Meredith and Debbie- I am so sorry about your dad. Know that I am thinking of you both and that there are many people who love and care for you right now.
My deepest sympathies- Jessica and Paul Calarco

Nick Tirino

May 24, 2007

Deb..

We are so sorry for your loss. You are such an amazing person and your dad is so very proud of you. Find strengh in faith, family and friends. With our deepest sympathy..
Nick and Maryanne Tirino

Elvita Tirino- Crisorio

May 24, 2007

Dear Deb,

I was just coming to see you at work and read the paper and was saddened to read about your dad. There is nothing anyone can say to you right now..just know that I KNOW....and my thoughts are with you. I never met your dad but I know you and let me tell you he raised a great girl..remember a bond between a daddy and his little girl can never broken...NOT EVEN IN DEATH..May he rest in peace.
Elvita Tirino-Crisorio

Julie Ader Urig

May 24, 2007

Mrs. Segal, Meredith and Deb, I was so saddened to read about Mr. Segal's death. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

ANGELA WATTENBERG

May 24, 2007

Our Dear Paula, Meredeith,& Debbie,

We are so saddend by the loss of Harvey, he was a great man & Dad.
I will hold the memory of him coming in the BACK DOOR of Bagel Baron and taking a sample of whatever VIto or Flaco was making that morning and then go to front and take the BIGGEST PICKEL HE COULD FIND. WHAT A GUY!!!!!
WITH OUR LOVE,
ANGELA , STEVE AND BILLY WATTENBERG

Sherri Chromik

May 24, 2007

Dear Meredith, and the Segal Family,

We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. You are all in our prayers during this difficult time.

Love
The Chromik Family

joyce martin

May 24, 2007

As a CPA,Harvey would often call me and refer my products to his clients
He was always a loyal referral source...and a good friend. I respected him...and he always talked great golf stories.

Jackie Murray

May 23, 2007

Dear Paula, Meridith and Debbie,
I cannot tell you how sorry I am to learn of Harvey's death. My father called me just this evening to give me this news and it seems very surreal. Harvey is the type of person that you never think will leave...and really, he never will as he will live on in your hearts forever. He loved you all very much and I have fond memories of your family. The girls were very young and visited me all the time in the office, and it was always a very welcome interruption! And Paula, remember those chocolates...How lucky I was to land my first accounting job and to meet all of you at the same time while still going to college! I will always be grateful to Harvey for giving me that opportunity and also to you for being such a gracious family. I miss you all and I do think of you often.

Love,
Jackie Ellsworth Murray

Ethel Rubin

May 23, 2007

Dear Paula, Debra, Meredith and family,

I have known Harvey most of my life and want to share with you my sincerest sympathy on the loss of a great husband, father and brother to Jason, Harvey and Edie.

I will never forget all the fun I had at the Segal home during my high school years;especially with the humor from Harvey and never knowing which car he would be coming home with for that year.

May he rest in peace and my love to
a wonderful friend.

Love,

eugene kaplan

May 23, 2007

Harvey was a legend in his own time--i don't know anyone that did'nt like him--from the days of ice skating at RAS POND--ALL THE CARD GAMES--seeing him at JOE'S--working with him at the concord hotel---he always made me smile---my heart goes out to paula and children-- brothers and sister and all those loved one's he left behind--we will not forget him--GENE KAPLAN -houston

Mark Kohn

May 23, 2007

Harvey was there for me when I was Born and his passing is of great sadness. May his memory always be a blessing and a comfort to all those who loved him.

Bridget Phinney

May 23, 2007

Debbie, Meredith, and Mrs. Segal.

Our loving thoughts and prayers are with your family. Just know that he is in God's hands now and will look over you all always.

Bridget Phinney and family

Gina Martin

May 23, 2007

Meridith, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Maggie Zeoli -Delvalle

May 23, 2007

Paula, Debbie, & Meridith,
I am so sorry for your loss. Harvey was a great man and will be missed. Please let me know if I can do anything

April and Steven Byerwalters

May 23, 2007

Deb, Meredith and Family, we express our deepest condolences to you and yours.

HELEN & ELIOT WORONOFF

May 23, 2007

Our loving thoughts and prayers are with your family. We were last with Harvey at Meridith's wedding and will only remember how happy and loving he was.

Your family has always been there for each other. Sharing all the memories of Harvey's goodness and talents will get everyone through this sad time.

Betty, please come to Florida to be with us as soon as you can.

Much love, Helen & Eliot

victor rosenberg

May 23, 2007

so sorry to hear of harvey's passing. though i haven't seen him in many years, i have many fond memories of him from my childhood growing up in albany. my deepest sympathies to his family.
vic rosenberg

John Sanchirico

May 23, 2007

Harvey...

Will never forget how you always beat me at golf!

Played many times - I wish we could somehow play again.

It's been a long time since I last saw you - but, it seems like only yesterday.

God bless you.

John Sanchirico

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