Harold Albinder, founder of Hudson River Fruit Distributors, died at the age of 87, the organization reported in a social post.
“For over 60 years, Harold helped shape not only the apple industry, but the culture of integrity, loyalty and hard work that defines our team to this day,” the company said in its post. “He led by example, treated everyone with kindness, and never missed a chance to share a story, a joke or a wise word.”
Albinder was born in 1938 in Brooklyn and following a career in the U.S. Marines, he founded Hudson River Fruit Distributors with his father, Isador, in 1963.
Albinder was known for building lasting relationships and as a champion of innovation. A point of pride was his acquisition of Southern Vermont Orchards in the 1970s, according to his obituary.
The company celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2023.
Harold’s son, Daniel, joined the company in 1980 and fourth-generation Alisha Albinder joined the company in 2013 and Marcus Albinder joined in 2021.
“Harold was more than just the visionary behind Hudson River Fruit — he was the heart of our family and the roots of everything we’ve built,” the company said in its social post. “He founded this company with a dream, a work ethic like no other, and a deep love for his family and the land. His legacy lives on through every harvest, every shipment and every member of our team who carries his spirit forward. We will miss him dearly — and we are forever grateful.”
