Search by Name

Search by Name

Richard Hanft Obituary

Honorable Richard A. Hanft TROY - Honorable Richard A. Hanft, age 68 of Troy, New York died on Friday, February 6, 2015 at the Albany Medical Center. Richard was born in Brooklyn, NY and later moved to Rockville Center, NY. He graduated Southside High School in 1964. He later graduated from the University of Rochester, class of 1968 and the Albany Law School in 1971. Richard was an attorney and was associated for many years with the law firm of Lee. LeForestier and Hanft, PC. Richard was active with the Rensslelaer County Democratic Party. He served as a judge for Rensselaer County Family Court. At the time of his passing Richard was associated with the NYS Office of Children and Family Services. He served on the board of trustees for SUNY Albany from 1977 until 2003 Richard was a member of Temple Beth El in Troy, as well as the Rensselaer County and New York State Bar Associations. He was also active in Brunswick soccer and the Tamarac Booster Club. He was an avid sports fan and was a season ticket holder for University of Albany sporting events as well as a season ticket hold for the University of Michigan Football team He was a fan of both men and women basketball at SUNY Albany Richard spent his summers at Camp Scatico in Elizaville, NY where he served as a camper as well as a counselor. Richard is survived by his Mother, Beatrice Glucksman, his children, Sara Salitan- Thiell and her husband Aaron Thiell, Michael Hanft and his fiancée, Dr. Kara Willenburg and Caren Kotlow and her husband Andrew Kotlow.Grandfather of Chava and Micah Thiell, Sophia and Alexis Kotlow Brother of Steven Hanft and his wife, Annelie Struessmann He was predeceased by his father, Alfred Jacob Hanft in 1988. Services at Congregation Beth Emeth, 100 Academy Road Albany, NY on Tuesday, February 10, 2015 at 2:00pm. Interment will follow in the Beth El Cemetery in Troy, NY. Memorial contributions may be made to the Peter Goldberg Memorial Fellowship at the University of California, Greater Good Science Center 2425 Atherton Street Berkeley, California 94720 or the Hadassah University Medical Center, PO Box 12000 Jerusalem, Israel 91120, or a charity of ones choice. The period of mourning will be observed on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at the home of Caren and Andrew Kotlow, 11 Arbor Drive in Slingerlands, NY from 6:30-8:30pm and on Sunday at the home of Beatrice Glucksman, 100 White Pine Drive Apartment 128 in Albany from 3-5pm. (Avila Community). For directions or to sign the online guestbook, please visit levinememorialchapel.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Record from Feb. 8 to Feb. 10, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Hanft

Not sure what to say?





Adrienne Irish

January 11, 2023

A wonderful advocate for children and families. Thank you Attorney Hanft for all you did for our family

Richard and Denise Scammell

February 24, 2015

Sincere condolences from the Scammell family.

Karen Hitchcock

February 13, 2015

My deepest condolences to Richard's mother, children and all the Hanft family. Richard was on the University Council at UAlbany when I was President and was a constant source of wise advice and caring support. My husband and I shared his love of sports and we shared many a basketball and football game with him, all of us in our purple and gold. Richard will be sorely missed by all fortunate enough to have known this very special and loving man. My thoughts and prayers are with the Hanft family at this very difficult time, Karen

February 13, 2015

My deepest condolences to Richard's mother, children and all the members of the Hanft family. Richard served on the University Council at UAlbany when I was President, and he was a constant source of wise advice and caring support. He loved UAlbany and his loyalty was a model for us all. My husband and I shared his great love of sports and we shared many a basketball and football game with Richard, all of us wearing our purple and gold. Richard will be sorely missed by all who had the distinct privilege of knowing this very special man. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all. With every best wish,
Karen Hitchcock

February 11, 2015

I am sorry to learn that Rich has passed. He had coached my Daughters Soccer team and had been great with the children and parents alike. He was a nice man and will be missed in the Community.
Sincerely, Donna Ogden
May he rest in peace.
Sincerely, Donna Ogden

Carolyn D'Agostino

February 11, 2015

I first met Richard Hanft when I had opened my solo law practice in Troy. He was a gentleman and a wonderful resource and so helpful to me in my early years of doing this work. They do not make lawyers like him anymore, and he will be missed greatly. My condolences to your family.

Mike Bailey

February 11, 2015

Caren - I am sorry for the loss of your dad. I'll never forget our trip to Giants training camp! May he rest in peace

February 10, 2015

Sara,

Our condolences and prayers go out to you and your family. The Waitekus Family

James Reyling

February 10, 2015

I had the pleasure of getting to know Richard at work with OCFS. He was a good man. I will always remember our conversations about politics & sports. My God bless his family during this difficult time.

February 10, 2015

Dear Michael and Sara, I am so sorry to hear of your father's passing. He was so proud of the both of you and it was my honor to have known and worked with him in the legal community. God bless.

Karen Teal

SJ W

February 10, 2015

What a kind, humble, respectable and gentle human being who shared heartwarming, vivid stories of his childhood, career and beloved children. He would light up when discussing UMich sports, and was always polite, pleasant and professional. His presence will surely be missed.

Sincere condolences to the family. Judge Hanft always spoke so highly of you.

~SJW

Sherri Schulz (Shackett)

February 10, 2015

Sara, Careen and Mike I am so sorry to hear of your father's passing. He was way to young young to have ended his life's journey. He will be missed for his wisdom, humor and for all that he has brought to the people who knew and loved him. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this sad time. I remember Rich fondly

The Abrams

February 9, 2015

We are so very sorry for your loss and remember Richard warmly. The Abrams family

Ron Reuter

February 9, 2015

Mike, Sara and Caren,
I was so sorry to hear that your father, Richard, has passed. I have wonderful memories of your whole family. I saw your dad a little more than a year ago at an event at the University at Albany - we had a great chat and reminisced about your years at Tamarac. My thoughts are with you.

Charles Sarris

February 9, 2015

Richard was a very good lawyer. I had several dealings with him when I was corporation counsel in Troy. He was a man of his word. As we say in Greek, May his memory be eternal.

February 9, 2015

Sara, Aaron and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Susan, Tig, and girls

February 9, 2015

A truly wonderful gentleman. Richard will be missed by everyone who knew him.

Janet Paul (HSBC BANK)

February 9, 2015

I'M sorry for your loss, your family is in my thoughts and prayers,

curt bailey

February 9, 2015

Mike, Sara and Caren. I was so saddened to hear that your father Richard has passed. He was much too young to have been taken away from you. His guidance and love made you the great and proud children you are. May he rest in peace.

Mark Spain

February 9, 2015

Caren, Mike and family
I am so so sorry to hear about the passing of your dad and loved family member.

Robert Redmond

February 9, 2015

To the family and friends of Richie Hanft,

Richie and I were classmates in law school, and our relationship continued during the 15 years that I maintained an office in Troy. Although we drifted apart when I became a Senior Attorney at the NYS Dep't. of Labor in the late 80's, I still followed Richie's career, both in politics and in the practice of law. True to form, whatever challenge he undertook, his effort to succeed was never less than 100%. By "daring to be great," Richie was an inspiration to everyone with whom he came in contact. Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of a remarkable individual.

Bob Redmond

Aaron Hoorwitz

February 9, 2015

It was always interesting and pleasurable to spend time with your father. Aaron

Arnold Greenberg

February 9, 2015

Sincere sympathy to the family.
Arnold Greenberg

Michele McNulty

February 9, 2015

To all of Richie's family: I am so very sorry for your loss. Richie was a wonderful person and will be remembered fondly by myself, my family and countless others who were fortunate enough to call him a friend.

Jane Schmiedel

February 9, 2015

Michael - Sara - Caren: His passing is such a shock to everyone (family, collegues, friends, etc). Richard was very positive and willing to fight this. Richard - I miss you. You are such a wonderful individual. Our office here at OCFS will NEVER be the same. It was an extreme pleasure to work with you. Rest in Peace

Judy & Jim Brearton

February 9, 2015

We are very sorry for your loss. Celebrating a life well lived. We will keep you in our prayers.

Vanessa Icolari

February 9, 2015

Thank you for your guidance. I wish your family strength and peace in this painful time. You will be missed.

Derek Jackson

February 8, 2015

We will miss Richard in the office. He could always be counted on for his wisdom and advise. He was a true gentleman. I am proud to have gotten to know him these last few years. My deepest condolences to Richard's family and friends.

Lauren (Smith) Appelbaum

February 8, 2015

Michael - I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and your family. I hope your memories help you through this difficult time.

February 8, 2015

An old friend from our years in Brunswick - we have fond memories of a great man. Our deepest sympathy to his children and grandchildren. Rest In peace Richie.
Pat and Jim Geary

Dee Alexander

February 8, 2015

I am so sorry to learn about Richard's loss. I am proud to be his colleague and even prouder to be considered his friend.

Dee Alexander

Rachael (Kaschak) Sargent

February 8, 2015

I'm very sorry for your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

Joan & Gretchen bulson

February 8, 2015

Sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. He was a wonderful man and will be missed.

Mike & Nancy McNulty and Family

February 8, 2015

To all of Richie's Family: Richie was a dear and loyal friend, and we are deeply sorry for your loss.

Eric Shackett

February 8, 2015

So sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts. May he rest in peace and We will all see him again

Bob Weaver

February 8, 2015

To the Hanft family, I am truly sorry for the lost of a dear friend. I spent over 360 days a year at the Troy YMCA swimming with Rich. For 16 years at 5:30am we began each day together with exercise, talking about local news, sports, family and many other topics. His love for family, Albany State Sports, U of Michigan Sports, and my love for Siena College Sports and the Detroit Lions were truly the highlight each morning. I talk on the phone with him last week and was amazed how upbeat he was about his future and over coming his illness. Kris and I are so sorry to all of you, we have lost a great friend of are family. RIP Rich

Showing 1 - 36 of 36 results

Make a Donation
in Richard Hanft's name

Memorial Events
for Richard Hanft

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Levine Memorial Chapel Inc

649 Washington Ave, Albany, NY 12206

How to support Richard's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Richard Hanft's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more