Milton Aaron Klarsfeld

Milton Aaron Klarsfeld

ALBANY — Milton Aaron Klarsfeld, awarded the Purple Heart in World War II, came home to Albany to run a successful business selling then-new televisions, and raised six children with his wife of 69 years.

He died peacefully on Friday, Jan. 1, 2016. He was 93.

“An entrepreneur since childhood, Milton was known for always being business savvy,” his family wrote in a tribute.

An Albany native, Mr. Klarsfeld was the son of the late Charles and Harriet Feltman Klarsfeld. His sister, Sylvia Dowling, and his brother, Leo Klarsfeld, also died before him. Milton attended The Albany Academy, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Syracuse University, and Union College.

He enlisted in the Air Force in 1942, a few months after Pearl Harbor was bombed. He followed a career as a navigator in the 15th Air Force through the end of World War II. On his 13th mission from Italy, his B24 bomber, Arsenic and Lace, with a crew of 10 was shot down over Muglitz, E. Czechoslovakia.

The five crewmembers who survived became prisoners of war at Stalag #1 in northern Germany. Mr. Klarsfeld was released at the very end of the war. He remembered vividly the Russians riding in on their horses to liberate the prisoners.

“He also proudly recalled a happenstance lunch with then-Commanding General Dwight Eisenhower in Le Havre, France, who joined Milton and other newly released POWs for some post-war dialogue,” his family wrote. Mr. Klarsfeld received several medals and the Purple Heart for his bravery and for being wounded when he was shot down.

Returning to Albany, Mr. Klarsfeld picked up in business where he left off, opening Albany Television Headquarters in 1946, Albany’s first post-war television facility

“Even with good friends’ skepticism about this new ‘fad,’ Milton’s instincts were right and he was on to the biggest venture of his career,” his family wrote. He proudly continued to nurture the business that eventually became Audio-Video Corporation. The company continues to be family-run, a great source of pride for Milton, who officially retired in 1990.

“Above all, Milton was proud of his growing family, instilling in them his love of adventure when skiing or hiking in the Adirondacks, and annual vacations to Lake George and Cape Cod,” his family wrote.

Mr. Klarsfeld was a jazz music enthusiast and a lover of fast cars and all dogs. He was a friend to many including all the loyal members of “The Poker Club” whose Friday game nights will always bring great memories to all families involved. Mr. Klarsfeld was also very proud of being on the Jaycees committee building the first Little League baseball park in Albany at Partridge and Woodlawn.

“Milton will always be remembered for his successful career and heroism during World War II,” his family concluded, “but most of all he has touched so many lives with his thoughtfulness, generosity and quick wit.”

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Milton Aaron Klarsfeld is survived by his wife, Jane Klarsfeld, and his six loving children: Jerry Klarsfeld and his wife, Traci, of Pacific Grove, California, Pam Klarsfeld  and Peter Brunk of Altamont, Debbie Pentak and her husband, Stephen, of Stephentown, Ted Klarsfeld  and Martha Meader of Slingerlands, Leslie Burnes of Millis, Massachusetts, and Laurie Carpenter and her husband, Kevin, of Ballston Lake.

Visiting Grandma Jane and Pa’s home in New Seabury on Cape Cod will be forever missed by all the grandchildren: Jackson Klarsfeld; Keven, Kara and Colin Brunk; Jamie and Tim, Kate, and Craig  and Erica Pentak; MacKenzie Klarsfeld; Lindsey and Kelsey Burnes; and Katy and Kyle, Drew and Jack Carpenter.

In addition, he leaves behind three adored great-grandchildren: William and Margot Seibert and Eve Pentak. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews who always like to recall “Uncle Miltie’s” antics through the years.

His family sincerely thanks the Albany Stratton Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and the Atria of Guilderland “where Dad resided for the past four years,” they wrote.

In accordance with his final wishes, services will be private. There will be a Celebration of Life announced at a later date.

Arrangements are by the Tebbutt Funeral Home of Albany and mourners may leave the family online condolences at www.sbfuneralhome.com.

Memorial contributions may be made online to Wounded Warrior Project or mailed to 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256, or to your local animal shelter.

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