Founder of Dexter Shoe passes away
Founder of American footwear firm the Dexter Shoe Company, Harold Alfond, has died from prostate cancer at the age of 93.
Having graduated from high school in Massachusetts where he grew up, Mr Alfond began his career in the footwear industry at the Kesslen Shoe Company where his father worked. In 1940 he founded his first company, the Norrwock Shoe Company, which he sold in 1944 before setting up the Dexter Shoe Company in 1958. He sold Dexter to Berkshire Hathaway in 1993, but he continued to work at the company until 2001 when it was merged into HH Brown Shoe Company.
Following his retirement, although he had long moved to Florida, Mr Alfond became involved in many philanthropic activities in his home state of Maine, supporting hospitals, educational establishments, and community centres. He was also a part owner of Boston Red Sox baseball team.
He leaves behind three children, 13 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
