GULF STREAM — Carl E. Touhey, a lifelong Albany, N.Y., businessman and a winter resident of Gulf Stream, passed away Aug. 25 at the remarkable age of 95.
He was a graduate of the Albany Academy and Princeton University (class of ’39).
He ran a stunning race for mayor of Albany in 1973, almost defeating the notorious Albany Democratic machine.
He was president of Orange Motor Company, which was founded in 1916 by his father, Charles, on a Friday the 13th. Carl always chuckled at that date, quickly adding, “And we’re still standing, still strong.” For over 75 years his various businesses provided employment for hundreds of Albany area families.
A passionate philanthropist, he felt the responsibility to give back to his community. When asking others to do the same, he had an interesting strategy. He would say, “How can I get big bucks from this guy? First I need to set the tone by stepping up myself.” And he did. Some of his favorite organizations were more traditional ones, such as Albany Medical Center, the College of Saint Rose and Saratoga Performing Arts Center. But he also cared about smaller organizations like Capital Region Sponsor a Scholar and the 15 Love Youth Program, and the Achievement Centers for Children and Families of Delray Beach, all of which directly serve families in the community.
He was also a respected member of several clubs in both the Albany and Delray Beach areas: The Fort Orange Club, Schuyler Meadows CC, Manalapan Yacht Club, The Little Club, and Gulf Stream Bath & Tennis Club.
Finally, he would always say, “It all comes down to family.”
Carl was the son of Charles and Winifred, brother to Frank (Carlo) and sister Alice (Dick Walsh.)
He and his wife, Nancy (Downing), shared a great mutual love and devotion. Carl was previously married to the former Lila Latham, the mother of Charles, John, Lila Marie and Virginia. He is grandfather to Evan, Colin, Charlie, John and Brenda and great-grandfather to Kaiya, Olivia and Ava.
Carl was an active and surrogate father to his brother Frank’s children: Terez, Frank (West Palm Beach), Eileen, CoCo, Tony (Coral Gables), Patrick, Carl, Justine and Carlo, and his sister Alice’s children: Larry, Natalie, Nick, Carl and Eleanor. Carl was also generously involved in the lives of Nancy’s children: Kathy, George, Peter, Amy, Carrie, Michael, and Mary Katharine (Gulf Stream), and their many children and grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Capital Region Sponsor a Scholar, 3 Pine West Plaza, Washington Avenue Extension, Albany, NY 12205 and/or The Achievement Centers for Children and Families, 555 NW Fourth St., Delray Beach, FL 33444.
— Obituary submitted by the family
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