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Allan Michael Dorfman

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Morristown High School

Allan Dorfman Obituary

Allan Michael Dorfman

AGE: 61 • Cave Creek, AZ

Allan Michael Dorfman, Passed away April 1, 2011 in Cave Creek, AZ at age 61. Born in and raised in Morristown; graduated Morristown High School, 1968. Allan summered in Martha's Vineyard, serving as a chef for various restaurants. He then pursued a Hotel Management degree at Paul Smith's College, graduating in 1972. Allan was an entrepreneur, starting a clock repair shop in Morristown. He later moved to Martha's Vineyard full time, moving his clock business there. He built his own house on the Vineyard. He later owned and operated the Airport Laundromat and "Essentials", clothing store on the Vineyard. Allan moved to Arizona two years ago to be near his brother.

Allan is survived by two brothers, Ken of Cave Creek, Az. and Carl of South Orange, as well as friends and relatives. He was predeceased by his parents, Frieda (Goldstein) and Louis Dorfman.

If desired, donations to The American Diabetes Assn. PO Box 11454 Alexandria, VA 22312 and specify Boston Chapter.

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

Published by Daily Record on Apr. 17, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Allan Dorfman

19 Entries

Ken

December 25, 2024

Allan:

Still thinking about you. We miss you so much. More so, I miss the great meals you and your friends

Not a day goes by that you flash through my mind.

I hope you have a Viper to drive up there.

Rusty Hitchings

April 11, 2024

I remember when Allan asked me to help him build his house in Deep Bottom. I of course agreed until I saw the plans for a replica of the Taj Mahal! We pulled it off but lifting 60 foot long walls all day sure helped us sleep at night.

diane van heest

April 9, 2017

I am learning of your passing 6 years later. Although distance and life circumstance separated us, my love and fondness for you, dear friend, has never waned. We met in 1982, me the tenant, you the landlord. I pulled in the driveway one day, returning from a camping trip on the Vineyard which prompted a long discussion and a lasting friendship. I cherish the memories of our times together in Morristown and on the Vineyard. We shared a passion for music, we attended so many concerts together, I loved perusing and listening to your vast music collection and I was often the beneficiary of your legendary cooking skills. We hung out for countless hours in your clock shop, at your laundromat and on your sofa discussing/debating/laughing... I could go on forever but, as so many have already shared, your compassionate and generous heart is what i will remember most. Until we meet again...

Ken Dorfman

April 5, 2012

Allan:

What is going on up there? Have you assembled that state of the art stereo system yet? We all miss you.

May 26, 2011

Allan called me out of the blue and asked
me if I wanted a free trip to Chicago. He said things were falling apart and he wanted to go down in flames! He had bought a Dodge Viper on E- Bay and had to go pick it up in December in Chicago.We flew from Boston and were met by a classic car salesman who regaled us for 45 minitues on what a great buy he had made. It was a terrifying car , low ,red,and obviously
above our abilities. Allan finished the
paperwork, we strapped ourselfves into the race car and headed into the rainy Chicago night.We headed the wrong way out of the dealership and Allans phone rang immediatly, the problem became obvious because the car was so loud you could'nt hear anything. We made back to the interstate and drove for 5 hours through heavy rain passing heavy truck traffick until we turned east and Allan
needed fuel in Indiana.After gassing up, he refired the Viper and after turning the lights on and discovering they were way brighter than before we
realized that we had travelled 500 miles in pouring rain at night with the parking lights on. Allan got his first speeding ticket of the trip 15 minutues
later

Allan Getting Romantic

Ken Dorfman

May 11, 2011

Linda Puzio

May 3, 2011

Allan was more than a cousin to me. He was my friend too. I miss our daily conversations but more importantly I miss his "take" on life. Allan always had a mischievous streak. About 50 years ago he set me up. We were in one of those "fun houses" in Coney Island. I had a dress on and he encouraged me to walk over a certain grate. As I did, my dress flew up and a midget appeared out of nowhere and zapped my butt. Allan laughed so hard that I thought he'd lose a lung right on the spot. Not too long ago I brought up that incident and what do you know? Allan laughed just as hard as he did that fateful day. I owe a lot to Allan and cannot believe I will no longer have the opportunity to speak with him again and for that I am truly saddened.

Jen Gadowski

April 27, 2011

Allan
It seems like yesterday when we "decorated" your house for your birthday ... have you forgiven us yet?
You will remain in my heart forever and the clock you so lovingly created for me will hang in my home as a true homage to our friendship.

Wendy Francis

April 27, 2011

I consider myself very fortunate to have been a friend of Allan's. We shared many laughs and a few tears now and then. Allan was most content when the people closest to him were happy.

He held my hand through a very difficult time; offering encouragement and knowing when to show up armed with chocolate or cheesecake. I'm glad that we finally had the opportunity to take a few roller coaster rides together. The happy memories of time with Allan will remain with me forever.

Sandy Sinner

April 26, 2011

I remember meeting Allan while he was in San Diego visiting Ken and his cousin Linda. What a fantastic sense of humor. You could feel the love he had for his family while joking that they did not quite possess the handy skills he did. :) He could fix anything. Fond memories continue to live with us. Peace be with you Allan.

Barbara Allen

April 26, 2011

Allan has been a part of my life for close to thirty years. A dear friend, someone I could count on no matter what, and I believe that he could count on me. We shared so many things - good and bad - but we always had each others back. He will forever be in my heart, and missed more than he would imagine.

This one is on me

Ken Dorfman

April 25, 2011

Photo of Allan. Thank you Bob.

Ken Dorfman

April 25, 2011

Allan was more than a brother to me. He was a friend, a mentor, a savior, and someone who was always there for me. His sense of humor, love of those around him and initiative were a model for all. He modeled my father’s mechanical and building knowledge. Without prior experience, he built his own house, just as his father did. He absorbed his mother’s gift of spreading love to those around her and did the same.

Allan also was a tough guy and for the most part, could get through the difficulties of life we all share. He had a resilience to bounce back, no matter what happened. Two of my earliest memories of Allan go back to our childhood. The first was when Allan was about four and I was eight. We were playing in the front yard one summer day and I decided it was time to shoot my water gun at him. Apparently he didn’t like this and ran into the house to get his Hopalong Cassidy metal gun. He casually walked outside, came within five feet of me, and threw the gun at my head with all his might. Before I could retaliate, I suddenly realized blood was pouring out from above my eye, and I was rushed to the hospital for several stitches. He got me!!!! We also played tackle football in the park across the street. The games could be pretty brutal at times with an occasional punch thrown. I was about 12 at the time, Allan being eight. He always watched us play from the sidelines. He constantly asked to play, but what 12-year old would want his little brother join the game. We were short players one game and finally let him play. Well, he played like a maniac, knocking older, bigger, fatter and taller players all over the field. That was when I realized Allan had the determination of a bull.

Time went buy. We got older. I went through a divorce and quit my job in New York City; I was ready for a change. I decided to move up to the Vineyard and Allan graciously let me stay with him until I found a place of my own. During that time, Allan took me under his wing and shared almost everything with me. He never asked for anything in return; as was the same with number of his friends who lived with him. He was always there for me during a rather difficult period of my life.

Allan’s last years were not kind to him. He had a number of operations and had some physical limitations. He got through these last years as best as anyone could. I was lucky enough to have him live with me here in Arizona for the last two years of his life. I so much admire the courage he displayed.

I miss you Bro but I know you will always be with me!! You are the best!!!!

Gail Morra

April 25, 2011

I just found out about your passing allan, you were a good person, may you rest in peace. Gail Morra

Maria Plese

April 25, 2011

I was shocked and saddened to hear of Allan's passing from our mutual friend, Fred Roven. Even though it had been a few years since I'd seen him, I thought of him often and always with affection. May his sweet soul rest in peace...

Carol Kalinich

April 25, 2011

Alan and I had been friends since 1980. I met him when I returned home from graduating school in VT. We became very close friends over the years, having many enjoyable adventures and sharing many dear friends. I shall miss him, as one of the most eclectically successful men I've known.

Steve Bondy

April 23, 2011

I was raised in Morristown & visit often. I recall visiting Allan at his 'Clock Shop' on South Street in Morristown & being impressed with how professional he was & how organized his shop was. When I'd heard Allan had built a large, beautiful home on his own, I believed it. Allan's always been good with his hands. I'm saddened to hear of his passing, & regret not seeing him more often as time passed. I'm sorry to lose another friend at such a relatively young age. My condolences to Allan's Family & Friends.

April 23, 2011

Alan thought of me as a very strange Diva and older sister of his friend and my sister Wendy Francis of Martha's Vineyared. They worked together for many years and I became Allan's phone pal so to speak. We would talk forever when I would call my sister and he answered the phone. Not having met him I can't for the life of me explain why the two of us chatted so much. A few years ago I made the point of visiting him in person. I'm so glad I did although he didn't look like the image of him I had in my mind I was gleefully happy to finally put a face to the voice. I will miss him and our long silly chats. I'm very thankful for his contribution to my life.
Lorijane Graham, (Centreville, Virginia)

Julie Hitchings

April 19, 2011

Allan was a gentle soul, a Renaissance man, and a true friend. We shared a lot of laughs and some divine dinners. I'll never forget his laugh.

Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results