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Alan Fenster Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Alan Fenster
Glenn Koszka
January 2, 2024
Alan was the kind of person you never forget. I will always remember his kind and caring ways.
Glenn Koszka
January 1, 2021
Alan was not only a wonderful friend, but a great person....always thinking about other's well being & happiness. I miss him every year & keep Susan & Sarah in our prayers.
Glenn Koszka
January 1, 2020
Alan was a dear friend of mine for over 25 years. His caring ways are unlike any other person I have ever known. He had faith in me when I doubted in myself. I think of him often....
sandy wylie
January 29, 2009
Dear Susan & Sarah,
I still find it so difficult to believe that Alan is gone. I am so, so sorry for you both. Alan & I started our businesses the same year. Since 1987 we talked on the phone several times a week usually about the latest happenings in the legal community, job orders we both worked on and general gossip. Our conversations were always pleasant and usually started with him saying "Hey Kid"and usually ended with a witty story. Well that all changed dramatically in 1998. Yes, that was the year Sarah was born. My son Nick was born 2 weeks later. Since July of 1998 the majority of our conversations revolved around our children. Sure we still talked business. But Alan's favorite topic of conversation was always Sarah. There was never a Father more proud of his daughter than Alan was of Sarah. I cannot think of one conversation I had with Alan since 1998 (and there must have thousands) when he did not talk about the light of his life-SARAH. He took such joy in Sarah's many accomplishment. Alan was thrilled beyond belief with each and every milestone in Sarah's life. I remember a phone call many years ago about Sarah. She had just visited the Pediatrician and Dr. Judelson couldn't believe how smart Sarah was. She read him a book during the visit. She was three years old!! He loved Sarah so, so much. He also spoke so lovingly about you Susan-the love of his life. I know how much he admired what a strong & intelligent woman you are. More than once he told me how he considered himself to be "the luckiest man in the world"
We were all lucky to have known such a great man.
I miss you my old friend. I miss your wit, your humor and your sage advise. I miss the latest "Sarahisms"!
Most of all I miss your calls...
Dave Fabian
January 24, 2009
Susan and Sarah,
I am so sorry for your loss. I was looking forward to seeing Alan when I visited Buffalo again. He mentored me when we played together on the Queen City Chess Team. I will miss him.
Bill, Joyce and Lynn Clarke
January 21, 2009
Alan was a gift to the world. He gave so much of himself to his family, his friends and his community. We will be forever grateful for having counted Alan among our closest friends and for the wonderful husband and father he was to our dear Susan and Sarah who have our sympathy, comfort and love.
Amherst Boarding Kennel Staff
January 21, 2009
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Patricia Brown
January 21, 2009
Susan,
I was very sorry to hear of Alan's passing. My heart goes out to you.
Pat
Peter O'Connell
January 19, 2009
Susan and Family:
I was speaking with Jeanne Hellert today who informed me of Alan's death.
Andrea and I are so very sorry for your loss and can only hope that your family take comfort in knowing how highly we thought of him.
Farrell Family
January 18, 2009
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Rob Drago
January 17, 2009
Dear Fenster Family:
I met Alan through a simple cold call to him (that he graciously took) about 10 years ago. That conversation triggered frequent calls back and forth over the years often just to "check in" and mainly talk about family. He was a true professional and a great person who will be missed by everyone that knew him.
Linda Scarafia-Davis
January 16, 2009
Dearest Susan, I was so shocked this morning to hear about Alan's passing. As I think of him today, I remember his enormous love for you and for Sarah. Proudly talking about Sarah's accomplishments, how special she is, how she is the light of your lives---this I remember most. My heart aches for her today and for you in your immeasurable loss. Please know that Ed and I join this loving circle of embrace around you both.
Michael DiBerardino
January 15, 2009
To Alan's family,
Allan and I have been great friends since the early 90s and I love Alan very much. He always spoke so lovingly of his wife and daughter and words can't describe how much I'll miss him. For a true gentleman born outside of the area, Buffalo has lost a favorite son who was always this area's best ambassador. My heartfelt sympathies go out to Susan and Sarah and the rest of the family.
The light of his life....the last photo he took....
January 14, 2009
On the job, ready for work....
January 14, 2009
Tom Kingston
January 13, 2009
Dear Susan,
I was shocked to hear of Alan's passing last week. He just called me a couple weeks ago. He mentioned how well he felt and how he beat the prostate cancer. He also spoke lovingly about you and Sarah and seemed to be enjoying life, as he always has. Alan arranged for an interview with my current employer and I have been here for 19 years. I will always be thankful to him for helping me get this job. He called me at least two or three times a year during the past 19 years just to see how things were going and I always enjoyed our conversations. That was one of his calls two weeks ago. I will miss him, his regular calls and his great sense of humor.
My sincere condolences to you and Sarah,
David Brock
January 13, 2009
Susan:
I cannot tell you how terribly shocked and saddened I was to learn of Alan's untimely passing. I considered him a very special person for many years, and will miss his frenetic and up-beat phone calls. I always felt cheered, and a little exhausted, after speaking with him.
My heart goes out to you and your family.
Sharon Edelman
January 13, 2009
Dear Susan
I am sorry to learn of Alan's passing. He was a great help many times. I hope you and your daughter can find comfort in the knowledge that so many people cared about him.
Sharon Edelman
Bryan Hylton
January 12, 2009
To the family of Alan Fenster: when I spoke with Susan today, she told me of Alan's passing. While I did not know Alan for a very long time, I came to know him through a work acquaitance. From the moment I met him and began talking about the bookcase he wanted for his home, I knew what a great man this was.
He made me feel comfortable the moment we met, and I knew that we could have been long time friends. Alan had a way of making me feel at ease with his style.
I will never forget the wonderful comments he would make...they were his trademark.
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Alan will be sorely missed by all.
Timothy Kane
January 12, 2009
Susan,
My condolences to you and your family. I was out of town when I heard the terrible news. As you know, Alan was a charter member of the "early morning" workout crew at the Buffalo Club and we certainly will miss him. God bless.
Steve Ross
January 12, 2009
When my son, Mitch Ross, called me, I was so sad to learn of Alan's passing. I know Mitch and Alan were very close and Alan was very helpful and supportive of Mitch in many ways.
Condolances to Alan's family on this untimely passing.
Tim Gregg
January 11, 2009
Dear Susan and Sarah,
We were profoundly saddened to learn of Alan's passing. Our prayers go out to you during this time of impossible loss.
Your friends,
The Gregg Family
Pat Crotty
January 10, 2009
Dear Susan & Sarah,
We have never met yet I feel I know you. After his burst of enthusiasm which characterized his every greeting we quickly turned to updates on our daughters. It was always delightful and enriching. For me Alan's professionalism, which was top shelf, took a backseat to his person. I pray that his spirit sustains you at this time and lives in you in the days ahead.
Robert Simpson
January 9, 2009
Dear Susan and Sarah,
It's so clear from this guest book and from the many who attended his funeral at Temple Beth Am how much he meant to so many, how much he was respected, and how much he was loved. As you requested at his service, I will send you a personal vignette/recollection of Alan for Sarah to appreciate in the future, and encourage others who sign this guest book to do the same.
In my case, he was more than a recruiter, he was a special friend. When I was just a young lawyer still unsure of myself, he encouraged me and gave me confidence to make a very big career move. I never would have made the move without his friendship and support. And I knew it wasn't about the referral fee - it was always about integrity, honesty and helping one another. He was a class act, a major influence on my career, a true friend, and will be sorely missed.
Recently, he gave me an hour of his time to talk about chess, and encouraged me to return to the game that he also loved. "You're never too old to learn new things," he told me.
I hope you find comfort in knowing that his legacy will continue to shine through Sarah.
God bless you.
ron kensek
January 9, 2009
Dear Fenster family,
My sincerest sympathies for your loss. I was also one of no doubt many who benefited from the chess activity in Buffalo (in my case in the 70's). I remember Alan relishing the fun, intellectual snippets of the game. I last saw him in 89 when we both played in a Buffalo tourney while I was visiting family back east.
Mark Weigel
January 9, 2009
Susan & Sarah,
I am deeply disheartened by Alan's passing. He was a true pro and a very good friend. I will miss his calls just to say "MISTER Weigel, how you doin' kid?" We would talk business for a couple of minutes before it quickly turned into a discussion of our mutually favorite topic, daughters.
I am a much better person because I was blessed to know and learn from Alan.
Carol Bangert
January 8, 2009
Susan & Sarah
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this very tough time.
Our deepest sympathy and condolences,
The Bangert Family
Douglas Dubose
January 8, 2009
Dear Mrs.Fenster,
I never met you but I know Alan from his chess playing days in the seventies,he was a great guy very sorry about your loss.
Tom Thrush
January 8, 2009
Susan,
I met Alan shortly after he arrived in the Bflo. area in the '60's.
We met through chess. We played at Norton Union on the U.B. campus
and the old Queen City Chess Club for many years.
Alan, myself and George Sicherman formed the Buffalo Chess Association. We sponsored, organized and directed chess tournaments in the Buffalo area in the early to mid seventies. He was an old, good friend of mine! R.I.P., Alan. Tom Thrush
Susan Grelick
January 8, 2009
Dear Susan & Sarah - I'm so sorry to hear about Alan, he was a good friend and always offered me advice and guidance. Alan also gave of his time to help the community - he served on some Amherst committees and he assisted the Town of Amherst pro bono in conducting personnel searches. I'll miss his insights and his knowledge about Western New York. He will long be remembered for the impact he left on our community by the work he did shaping the careers of his many WNY clients. With deepest sympathy,
Bob Caldwell
January 8, 2009
Dear Susan & Sarah: I heard of Alan's passing yesterday and am truely saddened. Please accept my deepest sympathies. Alan was, by far, the "class act" of the recruiting industry in western New York. He must have called me a hundred times over our years in business; not to create business, simply to say hello and keep in touch. He never said who it was, he simply said "Mister Caldwell" (emphesis on the "Mister") and I knew immediately who was calling. He always had time for other people, whether it was a colleague or a candidate looking for a job. He returned every phone call or made time to meet with referrals, which I always found remarkable because his time was valuable - but people were more so! He recognized that and it was one of his unique gifts. I will never forget him. My wife and I have retired and relocated to North Carolina, otherwise I would be there to celebrate his life with you (and so many others, I'm sure). God bless you both throughout this time of sorrow and into the future.
Michele Henriques
January 8, 2009
Dear Sue,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Alan was a great guy. When I moved back from Portugal 4 years ago he helped me get a job. My mother worked in the same business until she died, and she always spoke highly of Alan, and I knew I had to call him.
Alan met me at Bagel Jay's on Hopkins so he could get a feel for what type of law I was looking to work in. It was very great to speak with someone who had known my mother professionally and spoke highly of her too.
During a conversation a few weeks later, I told him I had applied for an immigration attorney position with a government entity and he told me he knew someone who worked in immigration with another branch of the government.
He made the call and called back 5 minutes later to tell me he learned my predecessor was leaving the International Institute of Buffalo, a non-profit agency that assists refugees and immigrants. I got the job and I loved it!
I recently left IIB, but I can tell you I LOVE the area of law I now practice and I have helped countless people because Alan made a phone call.
As a result of Alan's phone call, I have helped victims of human trafficking, immigrant victims of domestic violence, and countless other immigrants.
Alan always kept in touch to check in on me and let me know what was going on in the legal community jobwise.
I also strongly remember how he spoke of loving his family and being at peace with and enjoying his life. I admired that, and still do. Because of Alan I have a career path I love and I get to help people.
Peace and blessings to you and Sarah....
Michele Henriques
Carole (Bruce) Bellanca
January 8, 2009
Dear Susan and Sarah: I just heard about Alan's passing as I was waiting for a plane in Atlanta. I was and still am in shock and filled with deepest sadness. Alan was such a good friend. Most of our contact was over the phone and I will never forget the stories he told me back in the 80s about how hard he worked to keep fit. I visualized him jumping rope in his garage in the pre-dawn hours. He always made me laugh. That is what I will remember and miss most about Alan. And, of course, the deep love and pride he felt for his family. He is in my prayers as are both of you.
Julie, Ed and Amy Feldman
January 8, 2009
Susan and Sarah -
We are all deeply saddened by the news of Alan's passing. Alan was a kind man and we know that you will miss him deeply.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Carol Grosso
January 8, 2009
Dear Susan,
I was shocked to learn this morning of Alan's passing. We had the most pleasant conversation at the end of the year and his love and happiness with his family was so evident. He was a dear, sweet man and one of my favorite tenants. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Cheryl & Melissa Wolf
January 8, 2009
Susan & Sarah:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Mark Criden
January 8, 2009
Sue,
I was greatly saddened by Alan's passing. He was a wonderful guy.
Bonnie Sugrue
January 8, 2009
Dear Susan,
I am so very sorry to hear of this tragic loss. Alan was highly regarded by so many of us throughout the recruitment industry here in Buffalo. He was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Joe Gugino
January 8, 2009
Truly an outstanding person, cheerful, positive, caring ... Alan will be sorely missed by all. My heartfelt sympathies to Susan and Sarah.
Peter Kates
January 8, 2009
Fourteen years ago when I found myself between jobs, Alan extended his hand to me in a gesture that I have recounted to friends and colleagues many many times since.
He hardly knew me…I was practically a stranger. But when Alan heard that I was out of work, he called and said, “My office is your office. I have an empty desk with a phone, a copier and a fax, and you can even have people call here and leave messages as you look for a job.”
I was, and still am, awed by that demonstration of kindness, compassion and generosity.
As we kept in touch over the years, he never failed to ask about my wife and daughter, and never failed to brag about his.
I will miss his distinctive voice and his animated “Hey Kido!” when we’d get each other on the phone.
What a wonderful wonderful man.
Christine Wells Yawney
January 8, 2009
Susan,
My condolences on Alan's passing...when I heard the news I immediately thought of the two of you dancing, with complete abandon and total enjoyment of each other, at one of the Jaeckle holiday parties...you two obviously had something special - treasure the memories.
Tim Waterman
January 7, 2009
Dear Susan,
I am very sorry to hear about Alan's passing. He was a loyal customer that always made me laugh when he called to have work done. He will be missed by many, especially me.
Geri Grossman
January 7, 2009
Dear Sue: I am stunned by the news of Alan's passing. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. Alan was such a wonderful gentleman with a big heart filled with joy and love for you and Sarah. Alan was always a professional with a great outlook on life and always so generous and willing to support his colleagues. I will miss him and send prayers and energy to you and Sarah at this difficult time.
Marguerite Thomas
January 7, 2009
Too short a life for such a wonderful man. His legacy of husband, father, friend and mentor is with us all. Alan never forgot a phone number, a person’s name or where and when he placed someone. His love for Sarah, Susan, Simon and Gwen glowed in every story. Alan you are missed. I am a better person for knowing you, thank you.
Wendy and Gary Potter
January 7, 2009
Dear Susan and Sarah,
We are very sorry about Alan. Gary and I have only met him a couple of times, but those times are very memorable. We know that he'll be missed. Please accept our condolences.
Betty and Wolf Tombak
January 7, 2009
Dear Susan and Sarah, Wolf and I were so shocked to hear about Alans passing. We are so sorry about your loss. Alan was such a wonderful man. We always had such a good time with him. We felt so comfortable around him. He made us feel like we were part of the family. We are so sorry that we can't be with you at this time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Richard Czop
January 7, 2009
I was shocked and when I received a phone call yesterday that Alan had passed away. I've known Alan since 1978 when we both entered the recruiting business. He was certainly a bright spot for the recruiting industry. We were always in contact with each other remained friends and did some business together. He always told me how much he loved his wife and daughter. He will be missed greatly
Richard Czop
Nancy Miano
January 7, 2009
Deepest condolences on the sudden loss of your husband. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and your daughter.
Craig and Debbie Slater
January 7, 2009
We were so shocked and saddened by the loss of our dear friend Alan. His strength (spiritually as well as physically), big heart, integrity, compassion, dedication to friends and family, competitiveness, tenacity, and pugnacity (we loved it - especially at raquetball!), sage wisdom at tough times, and, of course, his pure friendship are things we will always remember and hold dear. For Susan and Sarah, our hearts, thoughts, and prayers are with you - we know you will treasure the memories of your husband and father as we will. Alan - My friend, this "Kid" will miss our friendship and that which was only you very, very much indeed. With love.
Glenn Koszka
January 7, 2009
Alan was a very dear friend. He is one of only a few that touched my life in a way I will never forget. Alan loved life...particularly his wife and daughter...and was grateful for every day he had with them. I knew Alan for nearly 30 years and will never forget his caring and gentle nature. He will be greatly missed.
Nicole and Michael Flanagan
January 7, 2009
We are all deeply saddened by the news of Alan's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his pride and joy, Susan and Sarah, to whom we offer much love and support.
Mitch Ross
January 7, 2009
The best man I have known. Brilliant, but of far greater significance, endlessly decent and caring and real. My example, always. - "Neph"
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