Sylvia Spritzer died peacefully at 96 years of age on Monday, June 24, at Woodland Pond in New Paltz, NY after a prolonged period of illness. During the past several weeks while she was failing, she was surrounded by many of her loving family members.
Sylvia, also known as Mom, Grandma, and GG, was born in Brooklyn on July 20, 1922. Sylvia was married to Murry Spritzer in 1943 and moved to Albany, NY. They had two children, Ellen and Sam, and they lived a very family oriented life in Albany for more than 25 years. Sylvia lived a long, very active life, first as a wife and mother, then in hotel work at the Hyatt Hotel and for a long time as executive assistant for several assembly persons in the New York State legislature.
When Murry died in 1970, Sylvia threw herself even more vigorously into her work at the Legislature and became the executive assistant for several high ranking assemblymen. Harvey Strelzin, then chairman of the Judiciary Committee, wrote that Sylvia managed his office of approximately 70 persons, “did considerable legislative research and conferred with countless constituents. She was all anybody could ask for. Her talents are countless.”
When she retired, Sylvia moved to Delray Beach, Florida, where she lived very happily with the companionship of Milton Shapiro, with whom she had a loving relationship and traveled widely. She became an avid tennis player and they were also active volunteers for several cultural institutions, but however busy she was, she never lost touch with her now quite extended family.
Sylvia is survived by her children and their families, Ellen (Thomas) Rocco of New Paltz, NY and Samuel (Stephanie) Spritzer of Buffalo, NY; her grandchildren Josh Cowan, Julie Lusthaus, Michael and Daniel Spritzer, Vanessa and Alan Chin and Jonas Levine, spouse of now deceased Joanna; and Sylvia’s great-grandchildren Tovah and Talia Cowan, Robbie, Emma, Jake, and Allison Lusthaus, Cecilia and Adeline Spritzer; Nora and Zack Chin.
Services and interment were held at the Beth Emeth Cemetery in Loudonville, NY on June 26, 2019.
Memorial donations may be made to The Woodland Pond Fund at 100 Woodland Pond Circle, New Paltz, NY 12561. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Hudson Valley Hospice, who were wonderfully helpful in Sylvia’s last days.
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