Issue date: 11/19/07 Section: News

Harold Alfond

Harold Alfond, a philanthropist known for his financial generosity across the state of Maine, died early Friday morning at Maine General Medical Center in Augusta at the age of 93.

"I was saddened to learn this morning of Harold Alfond's death," University of Maine President Robert Kennedy said Friday. "Harold deserves to be remembered as one of the most important and influential Maine citizens of the past century. As a business visionary, as a community leader and as an incredibly generous philanthropist, Harold made an indelible mark on his beloved home state."

Alfond's first donation to the university was in 1977 and since then, his donations to the school have surpassed $8 million. The Harold Alfond Arena and Harold Alfond Sports Stadium are two campus landmarks that bear his name. Other donations include funding the Mahaney Clubhouse, the men's ice hockey program, the Margaret Chase Smith Public Affairs Scholarship and the Second Century Fund, according to Joe Carr, director of university relations.

Alfond founded the Dexter Shoe Company in the 1950s. Outside of work, Alfond was an avid golfer. He also held a minority ownership of the Boston Red Sox.

Alfond was born in Swampscott, Mass. in 1914 to Simon and Rose Alfond, both Russian immigrants. He was one of seven children and developed his passion for sports in high school. He married his late wife Dorothy "Bibby" Levine in 1943, with whom he had four children.

"His legacy will continue through the lives and contributions of the countless people whose lives have been made better through his support of important causes and institutions," Kennedy said. "The University of Maine is a better place because of the opportunities Harold provided for our students, and we will fondly remember him as one of UMaine's most loyal and generous friends. My sympathies go out to his family and friends during this difficult time."

Some of Alfond's other donations outside of the university include a $7 million gift over the summer to the new Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care at Maine General Medical Center. According to the Bangor Daily News, Alfond himself had been living with cancer for 20 years before his death. He also donated $1.7 million several years ago for a recreation center at St. Joseph's College in Standish, Maine, and $5 million for the Goodwill-Hinckley Homes for Boys and Girls.

Alfond is survived by a brother, David; a sister, Gladys Nathanson; a daughter, Susan; his sons Ted, Bill and Peter; 13 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

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