Harold F. Reichenthal

Harold Francis Reichenthal (June 1, 1921-October 9, 2021), was a local celebrity in the Albany, New York, area. He moved from academia to free-lance work providing financial services. Along with speaking before many groups without charge, he hosted Dollars and Sense, a TV and radio talk show, taking listener calls and giving financial advice. He was a member of then-governor Mario Cuomo's team creating the New York State Lottery.
Education and military service
Reichenthal graduated from Bayside High School, in Queens, in 1940. He took up gymnastics and was selected to train with the US Men's Olympic Team. World War II caused the Olympics to be suspended, and he studied at Ithaca College. Reichenthal joined the US Army Air Corps in 1942 as a pilot, bombardier, and navigator. During his training he met Valerie Williams. He served in the 13th Force Philippine Campaign and achieved the rank of first lieutenant. but he always described it as "English and Speech". He participated in numerous play productions, including Androcles and the Lion, and was part of Theta Alpha Phi. In 1955 he joined the Home Life Insurance Company (today part of The Phoenix Companies), and was soon one of their most successfully salesmen nationally. Life insurance underwriting expanded to become financial planning, He was a success as a lecturer on financial topics, and he saw the world while a paid lecturer on cruise ships. In 1987 he incorporated Reichenthal, Family & Agel, with office at 24 Computer Drive West, Colonie, New York, which became one of the most successful such firms in New York's Capital District. He served as a member of then-Governor Mario Cuomo's team responsible for developing the New York State Lottery. He hosted both radio and television programs named "Dollars and Sense," on which he gave financial advice. and legislative chairman of the Boght Hills Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), president of the North Colonie PTA Council, the Albany Heart Association, the Albany Life Underwriters Association, the Sacandaga Men's Teachers Association, the Fulton County District Teacher's Association, and the Mayfield Central School Teachers Association.
After his retirement in the late 1980s, Reichenthal and Valerie moved to Boca Raton, Florida. He lived there until he was 95. He contributed generously to charities, among them the Jewish Federation of South Florida.

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