ALBANY — Ted Klarsfeld, who ran the family business, had a zest for life and found the greatest joy in his daughter.

He died peacefully surrounded by family on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, at Ellis Hospital. He was 71.

An Albany native, he was the fourth child of the late Milton and Jane Osborn Klarsfeld, who had six children. He attended St. Teresa of Avila and Albany Academy, graduating from Guilderland High School in 1972. He went on to Clarkson College of Technology, graduating with a degree in Industrial Management and Marketing.

“The endless stories friends and family could tell about Teddy and his antics throughout his formative years and beyond are the stuff of a life well lived,” his family wrote in a tribute. “Always the entrepreneur, Ted had his own lemonade stand as a kid on the corner of South Main and Fairview. Though the price was advertised at 5 cents per cup, Ted’s blue eyes and endless charm always coaxed a quarter out of his neighborhood patrons.

“Never one to give up, while on a family vacation, 7-year-old Teddy was nowhere to be found during a sudden blizzard on Big Spruce in Stowe, Vermont. The rest of the family was safely in the lodge when suddenly another skier yelled, ‘Oh my God, there’s still a little kid coming down the face of the mountain!’ The entire lodge was spellbound watching Teddy finish out his run and as he walked into the lodge he was surprised by everyone clapping and cheering, making him smile from ear-to-ear.

“We would be remiss if we did not mention Ted’s mischievous spirit, often the highlight of family summer trips to Cape Cod where he typically ignored the rules at the go-karts. He always started off in line, but then he’d steer off-track knowing he would be chased down. This was endless entertainment for everyone watching.

“In 1979, Ted met his lifelong soulmate, Martha Meader, while he was working for the family business, Audio-Video Corporation. Together, they took over the leadership reins in 1990. Ted considered it his greatest privilege and vocation to recruit the amazing people who make AVC the respected, resilient, and enduring force it is today.

“Ted also had a zest for life second to none outside of AVC. He made friends everywhere he went. In his free time, Ted would be on the golf course, especially at his beloved Albany Country Club. Perennially tan, you could always find Ted on the range chatting with fellow golfers and working on his swing. He never missed betting on each hole with a wad of cash in his pocket ‘just to keep things interesting.’

“Ted’s greatest love and joy was his daughter, MacKenzie. They shared a love for people, a vibrant sense of humor, a deep passion for golf, and a fondness for a good lox-and-cream-cheese bagel. Their days together were spent sharing stories of all the characters they had come across and chatting about each other’s work. They were as much best friends as they were father and daughter. Ted’s quick wit and signature laugh will continue to live on through his beloved daughter.

“Despite some recent medical setbacks, Ted fought hard to be there for his family, friends, and company. He was thrilled to be part of MacKenzie’s surprise engagement in May 2025 to Matt “Matty” Bloom and gave his enthusiastic stamp of approval for their chosen wedding venue in Vermont. Even as his health waned, he was eager to be involved in the ongoing restoration of the family’s peaceful getaway in Wellfleet.

“Ted and Martha were the silent leaders in caring for their parents in their later years, doing it all without fanfare. Ted was generous beyond compare, and his laugh was infectious — especially when he was laughing at one of his own jokes.

“Both professionally and personally, Ted’s shoes are impossible to fill. If you knew Teddy Klarsfeld, you are a lucky person.”

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Ted Klarsfeld is survived by his loving wife, Martha Meader, and by his adored daughter, MacKenzie Klarsfeld, and her fiancé, Matt Bloom.

He is going to be missed greatly by all his siblings including Jerry Klarsfeld (Traci), Pam Klarsfeld (Peter Brunk), Debbie Pentak (Stephen), Leslie Burnes, and Laurie Carpenter (Kevin).

He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Lyla Meader (David Hodgdon), Aunt Lyla Meader, and 12 nieces and nephews and several cousins, including Julia Klarsfeld Arndt (Eric) and Jill McCabe.

His memory will also be cherished by many lifelong friends, including Jimmy and Nancy Lawler, Wally and Carol DiStefano, and Dr. Russ Newkirk.

Per his wishes, services will be private. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Capital District Food Pantry or the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society in his memory.