Rudolf E. Paulsen

Albany- Rudy never let his life-long fight against diabetes get in the way of living life to the fullest with his family, many close friends and business associates. He passed away in the early AM on Sunday July 15, 2012 after fighting another brief illness brought on by this disease. Rudolf Ernest Paulsen, known to all of his family and friends as Rudy, was born on June 18, 1936 in Scotia, NY. A 1954 graduate of Roessleville High School, he married his high school sweetheart in 1955 and, as a devoted husband and father, helped raise their four children. He remained in the greater Capital District area his whole life. A well known business leader in the Greater Capital District Real Estate and Development Community, Rudy was a businessman who started from humble roots. The son of German immigrant parents, Rudy developed his work ethics and honest business practices as a teenager working in his father’s fledgling lumber yard, Paulsen Lumber. After this growing and profitable business was successfully sold, Rudy struck out on his own and formed Paulsen Development, a local real estate development firm specializing in the construction of residential, commercial and apartment complexes. His legacy is evident via the many developments he helped create, dotted throughout the greater Capital District area. Courageous and fearless, Rudy could be described as a real estate ‘wildcatter.’ He was especially proud of his pivotal role in the formation of ENAP, a co-operative that specializes in providing more cost-effective building materials and products for builders and developers. He was an active member of ST. Paul’s Lutheran Church and held various roles there including treasurer. His other associations and memberships included German American Club, Albany Area Home Builders Association and Capital District Lumber Association. Rudy was deeply committed to each one’s success in his family. He was extremely generous to all in his family. Rudy is survived by his wife of 57 years, Margaret, and his four children Rudolph (Nancy), Richard (Melodie), Joanne and Laurie (Abe). He is the brother of William Paulsen and Dr. Carl Paulsen. He is survived by his seven grandchildren Lauren, Michael, Stephanie, Alyssa, Ryan, Elizabeth and Matthew and several nieces and nephews. He was the son of the late Karl and Bertha Paulsen Relatives and friends are respectfully invited and may call Tuesday, July 17, 2012 4:00 to 7:00 pm in the Lasak & Gigliotti Funeral Home, now located at 208 North Allen Street, Albany. Private services and burial will be held Wednesday. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association and would be an appropriate and appreciated way to celebrate his life; www.diabetes.org. To leave the family a special message, light a candle, obtain directions or view other helpful services, please visit www.LGFuneralHome.com

Rudolf E. Paulsen

June 18, 1936 - July 15, 2012