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Alan Hirshman Obituary
Alan Lawrence Hirshman, a champion of justice, died on Thursday, April 9, 2020 from complications of Covid-19. Born on May 1, 1930, in Brooklyn, NY, Alan was a Long Island University and Brooklyn Law School graduate. He was admitted to the NYS Bar Association in 1957 and continued practicing law until the day he died. His zest for life will be fondly remembered by all who knew and loved him.
Alan loved the arts. He loved everything the Big Apple had to offer. Passionately living his mantra, "one day at a time," he would catch an afternoon movie, attend an evening show, grab food in-between, and wrap his day in the wee hours of the morning at one of his favorite post-theater jazz clubs. He could tell you the best restaurants in Manhattan, regardless of cuisine, price and/or location. An amateur performing artist himself, he played the piano beautifully, acted in community theaters and more recently took to the stage singing (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cG-
yE7TmJ3k).
His love of music was deeply tied to his values that "Music doesn't argue, discuss or quarrel. It just breathes the air of freedom." (Harold Arlen, composer). Alan was unshakable in his belief that the world could be a better place, advocating and championing causes for justice and equality. Relentlessly committed to freedom and hope, he participated in the peace movement during the VietNam War and the civil rights movement throughout his life. A proud and active National Lawyers Guild member since 1952, he defended anti-war protesters, political prisoners, confronted housing discrimination, and proudly represented disenfranchised and wrongfully accused people.
In his leisure time, in between attending shows and performances, Alan played bridge and tennis, skilled at both. He had a wicked tennis drop shot (routinely beating players 20 years his junior), and his love of tennis will be carried on by his children, with whom he played and annually attended the US Open.
Alan will be sorely missed by all who loved him. He is survived by his children Carrie (Matthew) Nolan, Peter (Mitu) Hirshman, Andrea (Dave) Hirshman, Margo (Joe) Roca, Alison (Andy) Brettschneider; grandchildren, Nikki Nolan, Danny Nolan, Robbie (Gabriela Vazquez) Green, Max (Sonja) Green, Melissa (Martin) Shaw, Andrew (Leigh-Ann) Roca, Ava Brettschneider, Zoe Brettschneider; and, recently born great granddaughter Ellie Maryn Shaw.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the organization dear to Alan's heart, National Lawyers Guild, NYC Chapter.
Online gifts: https://nlgnyc.org/nlg-nyc-foundation/
To send a check please make payable to NLG-NYC Chapter Foundation and mail to:
New York City Chapter
National Lawyers Guild
168 Canal Street, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10013
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Alan Hirshman
Angie Henderson
March 2, 2021
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Just heard the remembrance of your father, and he sounds like a remarkable person. May his memory be a blessing
peter kanstroom
February 8, 2021
I knew Alan since I was a little boy on st Marks Ave. he was a close friend of my family and I’m so sorry to hear of his passing. Peter kanstroom
Aly Kirsch
April 27, 2020
I truly got goosebumps when hearing of such a terrible and tragic loss. Alan lived a long, successful and beautiful life but just imagining that he would no longer be here to share it with his adoring family. There are no words to describe the bond that he shared with Alison. So many warm and wonderful childhood memories growing up in the Hirshman household! Their relationship was one of a kind, a truly devoted father that constantly doted on his baby girl. This girl would soon follow in her father's footsteps to become the warrior fighting for injustice as she was taught by Alan. I know he was so proud of her and all of her accomplishments from her beautiful children to saving people on death row. My heart breaks for Alison as I know her father was her best friend. Sending love to you Al and your family. His memory will live on always and we know you will carry on his legacy.
April 26, 2020
Sweet Alison and Carole my heart aches to hear about Alan. He was the definition of perfection in every way. Growing up with Alison and your family is part of who I am and my childhood. Even though we only lived a few doors down Alan would always watch Alison walk home even until the day we graduated high school! I always remember how he would hug Alison so tight and tell her to check in from a little girl to a grown girl! The bond that Alan and Alison has was like no other and they both have the s same laugh, smile, eyes and most of all the desire and love to help others ❤
Candice Postel
April 26, 2020
I'm so sorry about the passing of Alan. Alison, you and I literally did every activity with your dad mentioned in this obituary....including play tennis with him!! He's was one in a million and will be sorely missed. He has told me numerous times that everything he did, he did for you. It was so obvious to everyone that you were the apple of his eye. You mattered to him more than anyone in this world (he actually told me that once) I know you will honor him by always fighting for the wrongfully accused and make his legacy live on. Xoxo
Marina Callaghan
April 26, 2020
To my dear friends on the loss of your father...If only there were magic words. So many of the fine traits Alan had, I see in all of you...a deep sense of fairness, a love of art, music, sport and theater and a zest for life. May Alan rest peacefully. May his family find comfort. Love you all.
Lauren Reisfeld Ruddy
April 26, 2020
Uncle Alan, Aunt Carole, and Alison were a part of my life from before I can remember. They were always together and always on the go! Everyone loved it when the Hirshman whirlwind blew through even though no one could keep up with them. One of my favorite memories was Alan and Carole taking me into the city for my 13th birthday. It was my first Broadway show that wasn't a school trip and I was very excited. We had a spectacular day seeing the city and going to the show. After the show, they took me to the stage door and we met the actors. I was in AWE! Alan pushed me forward to have them sign my Playbill. Sure enough that Playbill and ticket were in a box of my childhood memories. When I saw the news about Alan a million memories flashed through my head and the day of the play stuck there. I know how lucky I was to grow up in the love and care of my parents' friends. Alan loved life, loved his family, and loved taking care of others. He will be missed but never forgotten. When I see Alison advocating for justice for the oppressed or helping to take care of a stranger I see her Dad in her and I know I always will.
Morgen (Millie's granddaughter) V.
April 26, 2020
I'm so sorry for your loss. He sounds like an incredible man. ♥ Although I never met him, his legacy of promoting social justice is already continuing through his children and grandchildren. Much love to everyone!
andrea, martin, tsidii, alan 2017 harry belafonte's 90th
April 25, 2020
margo, dad, carrie, andrea 2010
April 25, 2020
Dad's 80th, Margo, Dad, Carrie, Andrea
April 25, 2020
At Harry Belafonte's 90th birthday celebration; Andrea, Martin, Tsidii, Dad
April 25, 2020
Dad and Andrea
April 25, 2020
Paula Caplan
April 21, 2020
Im sorry not to have had the privilege of knowing your father. He sounds like an amazing souldedicated to social justice, So loving, so multi-talented, and full of life! The world Is in desperate need of more people like the one and only Alan Lawrence Hirshman.
Margo and Dad
Margo Roca
April 20, 2020
Dad and Margo
Margo Roca
April 20, 2020
Allan Simon
April 20, 2020
My sincere condolences,I first meet Al,on the tennis courts (of course) .Every time we got together was an adventure.There was no one like Al..My thoughts are with you.
Mike Pongon
April 20, 2020
Dear Carrie and family, so sorry to hear of your loss. Alan sounds like an amazing man. All my best to you all. - Mike Pongon
Phyllis Alperstein
April 20, 2020
My deepest sympathy to you all. Alan made a huge impact on the lives of so many. He will be sorely missed.
MARTIN McKINNEY
April 20, 2020
Dear Carrie, Peter, Andrea & Margo,
Surely, you know how much I love you and your importance in my life. I loved your father, too, and will be grateful forever he and my dad brought our families together even before my birth. How lucky I was to enjoy so much alone time with Alan these past few years!
Pam Drummond
April 20, 2020
Myrna, Carrie, Peter, Andrea and Margo,
My sincere condolences to you on Alan's passing. He was a great guy and family friend to our family.
My thoughts are with you all at this sad time.
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