Passing of Longtime League Trustee, Matthew Bender

Read more about Matthew’s accomplishments in his obituary and in this Times Union article.

The family will receive relatives and friends Thursday, February 27, from 4-7 p.m. at the Fort Orange Club, 110 Washington Ave., Albany. An early spring memorial service will be announced at a later date.

The Preservation League was saddened to learn of the passing of longtime League Trustee and friend Matthew Bender, on February 23, 2020.

Matthew was a dedicated advocate and supporter of the League since its founding in 1974. He was a regular on our Excelsior tours and served on the Board and Trustees Council, and on many League committees. As a committed preservationist, Matthew had a love of New York State history and, particularly, Albany. His commitment to preservation projects large and small made him a true friend of historic preservation in communities across New York State.

The League is incredibly grateful to Matthew and his wife Phoebe for their donation of 44 Central Avenue in Albany which has served as the League’s historic headquarters building since the 1990’s. More recently, Matthew and his family foundation funded the rehabilitation of our first-floor preservation library and meeting space.

Beyond the League, Matthew was a founder and dedicated supporter of the Historic Albany Foundation and worked for years guiding the restoration of the New York State Capitol as a member of the state commission charged with its restoration.

Our thoughts are with his family.