Carolyn "Carol" A. Landau

Colonie-Carolyn Ann Reichling Landau “Carol” died on May 25, 2025 after living with Alzheimer’s disease for over five years. She was born on February 1, 1941, the first of four daughters born to James and Emily (Simon) Reichling, in Brooklyn, NY. Carol was a part of the first graduating class of Schenectady’s Linton High School in 1958 and went on to attend Mildred Elley, where she earned the skills to become a secretary, working at General Electric/Knolls Atomic Power Lab. It was there she met the love of her life, Henry George “Hank” Landau, a tall and handsome sheet metal worker from Albany. They married in 1961 and settled in Colonie. They celebrated 59 years of marriage before Hank’s death in 2020.

Carol went to work as a secretary in the South Colonie School District, but as her husband was a local labor leader, when the teachers went on strike in 1976, she refused to cross the picket line and was subsequently fired by the District. After fighting her dismissal in court, she won the right to be hired back.

A lifelong lover of music, she sang four-part harmony with her sisters at WRGB, and in church choirs, first at Our Savior’s and then Bethlehem Lutheran Churches. Over the years, Carol volunteered with various ministries at church, including Sunday School, Moms of PreSchoolers, Women’s Retreats, the Homeless Action Committee’s Sandwich Ministry, and many others. Always up for a good time, Carol made friends everywhere she went, whether it was in her tight-knit neighborhood, at the Little League baseball field, or on the PTA. She was known for her hospitality and kindness, and everyone who walked into her house felt welcomed. Carol enjoyed traveling with Hank for his work, and in her later years, was fortunate to travel to Hawaii, Japan, Bermuda and Spain.

Carol is survived by her children Lorelei Landau (Mark Fleahman) of Clifton Park, NY, Wayne Landau (Elizabeth) of New York, NY, Eric Landau of Schenectady, NY, Claudia Meyer (John) of Albany, NY, Brian Landau (Maureen) of North East, MD, and eight grandchildren: Aren, Leanora, Christina, Jennifer, and Sarah Landau, Katherine Meyer, Riley and Henry Landau. She is also survived by her three sisters, Julie Diamond (Ken) of Hopewell Junction, NY, Lucille Robbins of Chicago, IL, and Debbie Reichling of Palm Springs, CA, and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews as well as lifelong friends. Carol was loved by many and will be missed dearly.

Carol’s family would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to her caregivers Katrina Hernandez and Jah and Kamal Qasem, who cared for her in her home during her last years. You gave her the best four years we could have imagined and we will be forever grateful.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 from 4pm-7pm at New Comer Cremations & Funerals ,343 New Karner Road, Colonie, NY 12205. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday the 4th at 1130am at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 85 Elm Ave, Delmar, NY 12054. Interment will follow at Memory Gardens.

To leave a special message for the family online please visit NewComerAlbany.com.