A mainstay in the Rochester philanthropic community has died. Harold Feinbloom, who was part of the family that founded Champion Products, the maker of athletic wear, died Friday at the age of 85.
He died in his sleep at the Jewish Home of Rochester. Feinbloom was a Vice President of Champion Products and one of the originators of Champion Europe. He was also a founder of the Genesee Valley Trust Company. He was a longtime Brighton resident.
After his retirement he was involved in a number of community activities in Rochester, serving on numerous boards including the RPO, Hillside Children’s Center, The Al Sigl Community of Agencies, the Jewish Community Federation and many others.
Dan Meyers, the President of the Al Sigl Community of Agencies, told WXXI News, "I don’t think Al Sigl will have a friend like Harold again for a long time. He was a great volunteer, he was interested, involved and active. He was very generous in his support.”
Tom Hildebrandt is President of the Hillside Children’s Foundation. He says Feinbloom aided local non-profit organizations by helping them improve the way they did business. He says Feinbloom “took some pleasure in helping others learn to get better, he didn’t just give them money to make them get better, he taught them how to get better.”
Harold Feinbloom and his wife Joan have been recognized by several organizations for their service and philanthropy. They were presented the Eastman Medal last year at the University of Rochester commencement.
The funeral is scheduled for 2:00 pm on Monday, May 19th at Temple B’rith Kodesh, to be followed by a private ceremony at graveside.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation in Harold Feinbloom’s memory.
Here's a brief recent video with Harold Feinbloom talking about the start of Champion Products:
http://youtu.be/IfLWsdsGee4
