FUNERAL HOME

Plaza Jewish Community Chapel

630 Amsterdam Avenue

New York, New York

ALAN WILLIG Obituary

WILLIG--Alan B.,

Of Little Falls, NJ died on Saturday, September 26, 2015. He was 76 years of age. Born in Philadelphia, PA, he was the son of the late Benjamin Willig and Bessie Cohen. He was a graduate of Central High School (Class 206). He received Bachelor and Master of Arts degrees from Villanova University. Alan enjoyed a more than forty year career as a theatrical agent. He worked for Hesseltine Baker, Alan Willig Associates, The Tantleff Office, HWA, and Don Buchwald & Associates agencies. His client list included Philip Bosco, Elaine Stritch, Joe Morton, Christopher Reeve, Kevin Gray, Mark Jacoby, Joan Collins, and a host of talented Broadway stars. For a large number of years, he was assistant producer at Philadelphia's Playhouse in the Park. He also was an instructor of English at Baruch College in New York and at the University of Puerto Rico. Alan also worked in the SchooI District of Philadelphia and with the Philadelphia Drama Guild. In recent years, he was in great demand to teach classes in auditioning and career management at many New York theater training schools. His theatrical career began as an actor and he had the good fortune to be a member of the American Shakespeare Festival Company of Stratford, CT in 1961. Alan was an avid supporter of the arts, a long-time subscriber and patron of the Metropolitan Opera, NJPAC, New Jersey Shakespeare Festival, Irish Repertory, and numerous other drama organizations. He had an unabated love affair with everything British, especially the London theater and traveled there numerous times. Alan is survived by his lifetime companion, Dennis Cafiero, of Little Falls; his sister, Sandra Friter and his brother-in-law, Barry Friter of Doylestown, PA; his nephew, Eric Rubin, and his wife, Jennifer; and his niece, Stefanie Rubin along with numerous loving friends, clients, colleagues and students. He was predeceased by his brother Harvey and his stepmother, Dorothy Willig. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, October 4, at 12 noon at the Plaza Jewish Community Chapel, 630 Amsterdam Avenue (91st Street), in New York City. Friends and family will be gathering at 11am .

Published by New York Times on Oct. 1, 2015.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for ALAN WILLIG

Not sure what to say?





Dear Alan,
I still think of you often and miss you so very much. The world isn't the same without you in it. I will continue to keep you alive in my memories.

Jon Mason

Work

September 30, 2021

I am so saddened by this news. You were such a kind person. Our deepest sympathy to your family and Dennis.

Karen, Rich, Andrew Dichiaro

October 24, 2015

Those of us from the old days of Drama Guild and Playhouse in the Park here in Philadelphia remember you fondly. Bon Voyage.

Betty Chomentowski

October 6, 2015

Fond memories of early years in college plays with your passion for theatre shining and your generous, kind, fun personality supportive of everyone you worked with. So glad you had a good life with Dennis and friends who appreciated you.
Wendy Somerville Wall, Bethesda, MD

Wendy Wall

October 6, 2015

Dear Alan,

You were such a kind-hearted and gracious person - a true pleasure to be around. I always enjoyed talking to you because your passion was infectious, your spirit generous and full. Thank you for believing in me from the very beginning. It meant so much. Thank you for your guidance, your warmth, and your positivity. I am forever indebted to you. Rest well, sweet Alan.

Lots of Love,
Jenna

Jenna Bosco

October 4, 2015

Dear Alan,
I so enjoyed sitting with you at my parents' parties and listening to your "inside" stories about celebrities and events you were a part of. You were so entertaing and fun, insightful and hilarious! I want to thank you for helping Jenna out as she began her artistic journey. I will miss you very much. Loving thoughts always, Diane Bosco

Diane Bosco

October 3, 2015

Oh Alan! The world is just a bit dimmer without you in it...how I'll miss knowing you are in it. Thank you for what you taught and gave us. Deep sympathy to you, Dennis and the rest of your remaining family.

Victoria Kress

October 3, 2015

Alan was a kind & gentle soul. His office was always open and he always welcomed you in. His knowledge of NY theatre was inspiring. I will miss his smiles and treasure the many conversations I was privileged to have with him. RIP Alan

Christopher Cass

October 2, 2015

Sending you a lot of love, Alan. Rest in Peace. See you on the other side.

Keith Glover

October 2, 2015

Alan was my colleague and friend for the past 10 years. We would often go to the theater together to see clients and before we were colleagues I was his assistant yet he'd introduce me to people as his colleague. He retired about a year and a half ago yet we stayed in touch and talked on the phone from time to time. Alan was a loving, caring, thoughtful, intelligent and funny man and will forever be in my heart. Rest in peace, my dear Alan.

Jon Mason

October 2, 2015

Such a nice man, always friendly and inviting.
You will be greatly missed.

Philip White

October 1, 2015

Dennis,
Alan was a part of our family and we grieve his passing right along side you. The Theater has lost one of its most ardent devotees; the world has lost an incredibly warm, compassionate, witty, and special man. He will be deeply missed but will always hold a special place in my heart. Thinking of you and wishing you peace and comfort during this difficult time. xo

October 1, 2015

Alan, You weren't just the greatest agent in the world, you were a wonderful, funny, captivating, super-smart and loving human being. You were a part of the Bosco family and always will be..You will be missed terribly but I will never forget you or the profound impact you had on our lives. Gone way too soon.:(
With Deepest Sympathy and Much Love, Jennifer Bosco

Jennifer Bosco

October 1, 2015

I knew Alan in the 80's when I worked as a casting director and he was an agent. We shared a love of opera and theatre. Alan was a true gentleman and I am grateful to have known him

Karen Fisher Gutheil

October 1, 2015

We will never forget the light you've brought into our lives. You are one of the good guys.

Mindi + Bob

October 1, 2015

RM

October 1, 2015

Rest in Peace dear friend. You were a great guy!

charles mintzer

October 1, 2015

Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results

Make a Donation
in ALAN WILLIG's name

Memorial Events
for ALAN WILLIG

Oct

4

Memorial service

12:00 p.m.

Plaza Jewish Community Chapel

630 Amsterdam Avenue (91st Street), New York City, PA

Funeral services provided by:

Plaza Jewish Community Chapel

630 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10024

How to support ALAN's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor ALAN WILLIG's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more