Speaking to teenagers who said the older man’s financial support turned their lives around, Harold Alfond offered three points of advice: respect their parents, take care of their bodies and get an education. The latter two were the focal points of Mr. Alfond’s philanthropy, which spanned decades and earned him honors ranging from humanitarian awards to induction into sports halls of fame. One of the state’s leading philanthropists, Harold Alfond died Friday at the age of 93.

Earlier this year, he presided over the grand opening of the Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care at Maine General Medical Center in Augusta, a facility to which he contributed $7 million. That July day, his positive outlook in battling a disease that kills thousands each year was as much a cause for celebration as his donation.

“I was diagnosed with cancer 17 years ago and I remember that day when people were afraid to say the word cancer,” he said. “Look how far we’ve come. I’m here to prove it and I’ll do whatever I have to do to keep this going.”

Mr. Alfond brought the same attitude to the business he founded – Dexter Shoe Co. – and the sports, education and social service entities he supported.

He founded the shoe company in 1957, growing it into a multinational enterprise before selling it to financier Warren Buffett for $419 million in 1993. He is credited with keeping manufacturing plants in Maine open long after it made more financial sense to make the shoes elsewhere.

Mr. Alfond was also an early and longtime supporter of the University of Maine ice hockey program. Alfond Arena, with its tight quarters and loud fans, is synonymous with the school’s hockey team, which has won two national championships. A recent addition to the arena, which Mr. Alfond also helped fund, upgraded facilities for athletes and fans.

The university’s football and field hockey stadium is also named after and partially funded by Mr. Alfond, as are athletic facilities at Colby College and Kents Hill School. He also supported scholarships, student facilities and athletic programs at Husson College, St. Joseph’s College, Maine Maritime Academy and Good Will-Hinckley.

In his hometown of Waterville, his $3 million donation helped the Boys and Girls Club and YMCA build the largest recreation center in the country.

Mr. Alfond said he made financial contributions to so many projects because as one of six children in a family with limited financial means, he knew the benefits of getting help from local citizens and schools.

At a celebration of Mr. Alfond’s 80th birthday, then-Gov. John McKernan noted that his donations especially benefited the state’s young people. Therefore, beyond the names on buildings, his “contributions will live on for generations to come.”