Niskayuna - Richard J. Preisman, age 86, passed away suddenly at his home on August 9, 2024.  Son of Benjamin and Ruth Preisman, he was born in NYC and was a lifelong resident of Niskayuna.   He graduated from Nott Terrance High School and received a BA degree in accounting from Syracuse University.   

He served in the National Guard.  He was a licensed Real estate broker for over 60 years, He was President of the Schenectady Board of Realtors; Schenectady, Schoharie Saratoga Board of Realtors; and the Home Builders Association of Schenectady. He was president of Preisman Realty, Inc. He achieved the status of Broker Emeritus from NYS.

In 1968 he had brain surgery for a pituitary tumor that caused acromegaly, an unknown condition at the time.  He was treated with one of the first lasers at Mass General Hospital. The condition was so rare at the time, he was invited to appear at Albany Medical Center to discuss his condition.  It was rare to catch this condition so early on. 

He was an avid Brooklyn Dodgers and Yankees fan. He coached his son’s baseball teams and later on he enjoyed attending his granddaughters dance recitals.  Over the years, he enjoyed golfing, walking, tennis, softball, bowling, bridge, poker, filling the outdoor birdfeeders and birdwatching. He was adored by his parrots.  He had a great sense of humor and loved to joke around. His license plate, “Oh My Papa” reflected his personality and was derived by his rendition of an old Eddie Fisher song at a nightclub in Florida which had everyone laughing hysterically.  He loved his desserts especially cherry pie.  You’d see his bright blue eyes sparkle and a huge smile.

He was married to his wife Barbara for 62 years. He is also survived by his daughter, Sandra, his son, David (Davida), granddaughters Victoria and Juliana, brother-in-laws Stan Katz (Alice) and Ronald Katz (Kathy), beloved cousin Sam Rosenberg who came for regular visits from downstate and cheered him up with originals songs on his flute.

He was a lifelong member of Congregation Beth Israel. Funeral services will be held Sunday August 11th at 1:00pm in Rotterdam at Beth Israel Cemetery (Lower Section), 100 Mt. Stuart Rd.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be to a charity of one’s choice.