Alan was born in Bronx, New York on October 16, 1946.  He and his family moved to Brooklyn when Alan was ten years old.

As Alan grew up, he became interested in swimming.  He worked hard for his team in Midwood High School and became the team captain.  He practiced every day and set records for his school that lasted many years.

After high school Alan attended Long Island University in Brooklyn and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in French.  His intension was to teach French, but his career path took him into Special Education for which he attended SUNY New Paltz and earned a master’s degree.  By this time, he and the family were living in New Paltz, NY.

His work with special needs children at Newburgh Free Academy was extremely rewarding to him.  Over the years he had hundreds of students in his classes where they were treated as family to him.  Many of his students were very poor and did not eat regularly.  He always kept food in his classroom refrigerator so that the kids could concentrate on their studies without being hungry.  His classroom was known as Al’s Deli.

Alan eventually became the Dean of Students. Now he was in charge of over 2,500 students.  He regularly broke up fights, counseled students and became their friend. This was a position which he most enjoyed.

In addition to working in school Alan was a Borough Coordinator of the lifeguards for the New York City Department of Parks. He started working as a lifeguard on Rockaway Beach at the age of 17 and worked his way up to become a lieutenant and then a chief of lifeguards, eventually moving into the coordinator’s position.  He worked for this agency for 26 years.

At the age of 17 Alan met his wife, Eileen, who was 15 at the time.  From the beginning of their relationship, he always told her they would be married.  And he was correct. In 1970 Alan and Eileen were married and had a wonderful marriage for over 55 years.

Their marriage was blessed with two children, Jami and David, and three grandchildren, Zoe, Shayla and Sophia.

After Alan’s retirement in 2006 he took up gardening as a full-time hobby and created beautiful gardens at the house in New Paltz.

Once Eileen retired she and Alan decided to move to Punta Gorda, Florida where they had purchased a home.  Alan duplicated his gardening efforts and made wonderful gardens around the house.

Alan passed away in Hospice on December 23, 2025. He had been suffering from a staph infection of the brain for over a year. This was a very difficult period for Alan as he spent many months in hospitals. He always had a good outlook and accepted his illness without complaint.  His absence is felt by his family and friends.

A memorial gathering will be held at 4:00 Pm on Saturday, April 11th, 2026, at Laishley Crab House in Punta Gorda, Florida.

Friends may visit online at www.robersonfh.com to extend condolences to the family. Arrangements by Roberson Funeral Home & Crematory Punta Gorda Chapel.