Delmar – Harvey Kahalas, 81, passed away at his residence on Saturday February 4, 2023. Born in Boston, MA on December 3, 1941 he was the son of the late James and Betty (Bonfeld) Kahalas.

Education was a lifelong journey for Harvey and it started when he graduated from Boston Technical High School. Later, he would go on to obtain his BS from Boston University, his MBA from the University of Michigan, and his PhD from the University of Massachusetts.

Harvey had a long successful career in academia, highlights of which included serving as the Dean of four Business Schools: State University of New York at Albany, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, Wayne State University in Detroit, and the Illinois Institute of Technology Stuart School of Business in Chicago. Among his many accomplishments as an educational leader, was his unique ability to infuse his vision of innovation and strategic competitiveness into every level of the school’s culture, helping to bring about their significant transformation. He also received numerous academic appointments including Commonwealth Distinguished Professor and Senior Fulbright Scholar at University of Massachusetts as well as Aspen Institute Scholar. Dr. Kahalas has been listed as a noteworthy business educator by Marquis Who's Who.

Throughout Harvey’s life giving back to his community was important to him and he did so by volunteering his time and efforts with many organizations including the Board of Directors for the National Foundation of Ileitis and Colitis, Blue Cross of Northeastern New York, Capital District Business Review, Fund for Corporation Initiatives, Greater Detroit Area Health Council, and the Greater Detroit Convention and Visitors Bureau. He held lifetime memberships in the Fulbright Association as well as the Personnel Accreditation Institute, served as treasurer and executive committee member of the Academy of Management, honorary/lifetime memberships in the Human Resource Planning Society and the Human Resource Systems Professionals, and was inducted into the Beta Gamma Sigma, Sigma Iota Epsilon, and Delta Tau Kappa honor societies. He was a proud member of Congregation Beth Emeth in Albany.

Harvey was always the life of the party and everyone loved being around him. He was especially enthusiastic about his children and grandchildren. Harvey had very impressive collections of both pens and books and enjoyed all varieties of bread.

Those wishing to remember Harvey in a special way can make memorial contributions in his name to The Upstate Northeastern New York Chapter of the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation or a charity of your choice.

Harvey is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years, Dianne (Levine) Kahalas, two cherished daughters, Wendy (Douglas) Levey and Stacy (Joseph) Plunkett; his grandchildren, Joshua Caron and William Plunkett; step-grandchildren, Madison and Johanna Levey; his sister, Louise Snyder; his sister-in-law, Shelley Kahalas and many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

In addition to his parents, Harvey was predeceased by his siblings, Martin Kahalas, Ruthie Sahl and Henry Kahalas.

In keeping with Harvey’s wishes funeral services will be held privately.