Ruben S. Gersowitz

Gersowitz, Ruben S. ALBANY Ruben S. Gersowitz, 94, a lifelong Albany resident and resident of Highland Beach, Fla., died July 31, 2008 at St. Peter's Hospital. Ruben began his career as proprietor of his family business, the former Williams Department Store, located in Albany's south end. He was also past president of the South Pearl Street Merchant's Association. He saw action in World War II in the European Theatre and his service was recognized with both a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. Immediately following the war, Ruben was commissioned by the U.S. Army to conduct an analysis of raw material availability in post-war Germany. Upon his return home, he honored his military service as post commander of the Jewish War Veterans, Post 105. Ruben continued his service to others, embarking upon a grassroots political career with achievements which included: his tenure as Albany Democratic ward leader of the 14th Ward, membership in the New York State Democratic Committee, his membership in the Judicial Nominating Committee, his appointment as treasurer/coordinator for the annual Albany County Democratic Picnic Book, and his appointment by then Mayor Erastus Corning II as general manager of the Wellington Hotel, which also housed a satellite State University of New York at Albany dormitory. Ruben was also a proud member of the BPO Elks, Knights of Pythias, Albany Hebrew Tailors Association, Independent Benevolent Society and B'nai B'rith. In addition to his active role as a citizen of his beloved hometown of Albany, Ruben still found time to pursue his vocation as a local real estate broker and appraiser and he was instrumental in developing the Pearl Plaza in downtown Albany. Ruben's joy and inspiration were his wife, Libby Levine Gersowitz; son, Stephen (Helena) of New York City; daughter, Mardi Dana of Harwich, Mass.; daughter, Sandra of Albany; and son, Edward of New York City. He is also survived by grandchildren, Erica and Elliott Gersowitz of New York City and Nathan and Natalie Dana of Amherst, Mass.; and by many nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held on Sunday, August 3, 2008 at the Levine Memorial Chapel Albany, N.Y. Interment was in the Independent Benevolent Cemetery Guilderland, N.Y. A period of mourning will be observed at 235 Tampa Avenue, Albany on Monday, hours will be 4 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations, by those who wish, may be made to the National Jewish Medical and Research Center, 1400 Jackson Street, Denver, CO 80206 or to a charity of one's choice. For those wishing to post comments on line, they may address the message to www.timesunion.com and connect to Ruben's obituary.