Allen Singer

Allen O Singer May 2, 1921 - Sept. 30, 2010 Passed away peacefully at his home in Berkeley California. Allen, middle child of Rosa and Josef, was born in Vienna. He and his older sister Trudy fled the Nazis and immigrated to the United States in 1939. Allen carried with him a camera, a gift from his father. His sister Ruth soon followed, but his parents eventually perished. Allen lived in New York City, Milwaukee, and San Francisco before settling with his wife Elisabeth in Berkeley. He studied engineering at UC Berkeley while working for Kaiser Industries as a draftsman and later as a Ship Fitter Foreman in the Richmond Shipyards. He served in the Armed Forces at the end of WWII. In 1950 Allen moved his family to Honolulu where he established portrait studios at military bases throughout the island. In 1960 his family returned to California where he started more studios. Allen was known by his friends, family and employees for his honesty, kindness, and sense of humor. His passion for photography was well matched by his passion for travel. Allen is survived by his wife Elisabeth, his sister Ruth, sons Ron and Jonathan, grandchildren Alison, Isaiah, and Abe and his wife Stephanie, great grandchildren Luke, Jordan, Jesse and Judah, and a new great grandchild, Elijah, whom he had the good fortune to meet shortly before his death. A private memorial is being held for family and friends. Donations may be made to The Jewish National Fund.