Longtime tire wholesaler Harold Finkelstein dies at 86

ASTORIA, N.Y. — Harold Finkelstein, who helped grow Max Finkelstein Inc. into one of the largest tire wholesalers in the northeast U.S., died Dec. 15 at age 86.

Mr. Finkelstein was born in Astoria, N.Y., Sept. 24, 1935, and spent his formative years in Queens, according to his obituary.

He spent his youth learning the family tire business started in 1919 by his father Irving and uncle Max.

Harold Finkelstein joined Max Finkelstein in 1955 after he graduated from New York University.

In 1973, he and his brother Jerry became co-owners of the business and grew the company to become one of the nation's largest independent wholesale tire distributors, with 16 warehouses today covering the Northeast and Eastern Seaboard from Maine to Virginia.

The family business now spans four generations with Mr. Finkelstein's son Ronald, sons-in-law Scott and Howard, grandsons Andrew, Brian, Jon and Jeff, and grandson-in-law Andy, all involved in the business.

In June 2019, Max Finkelstein celebrated its milestone 100th anniversary with a centennial celebration in Manhattan where Mr. Finkelstein and his brother were awarded a lifetime achievement award from Goodyear CEO Rich Kramer.

He also was a longtime president of the New York Tire Dealers Association.

"From the start, it was clear that he was a gifted and savvy businessman," his obituary read. "He conducted business with passion, charisma and had a natural ability for building relationships with customers, associates and vendors, whom he treated like family."

Mr. Finkelstein was a quiet supporter of many organizations close to his heart, the family said. This included being an active member of his synagogue for over 50 years, where he sat in the front row to watch his wife Marilyn sing in the choir.

He was honored by the UJA-Federation of New York for his philanthropic contributions.

He is survived by his wife Marilyn of nearly 65 years; three children, Ronald (Michelle) Finkelstein, Ellen (Scott) Paticoff, and Paula (Howard) Rosenthal; 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his parents, Irving and Rowie Finkelstein.