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Alan Nathan Obituary
Nathan
OLD FORGE/NEW HARTFORD
Alan B. Nathan, 63, of Old Forge and New Hartford, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, April 1, 2014, at his residence, with his loving family by his side. He was born on April 29, 1950, in Utica, the son of the late David and Tobye Cramer Nathan. Alan was a graduate of Utica Free Academy, Berklee College of Music, Boston, MA, with his B.A., Goddard College, Plainfield, VT, with his M.A., and SUNY Cortland, Cortland, NY, with his C.A.S. On February 22, 2001, he married the former Ann Weitzman in Florida. Alan was a long time teacher with the Utica School District and was currently at JFK Middle School as a music teacher and part time administrator. Since the 70's, he has owned and operated Nathan's Bakery in Old Forge, which he greatly enjoyed. Alan was a remarkably outstanding musician for all of his life, playing in many bands throughout the entire Mohawk Valley, including his own, Al Nathan and BlueStreak. He was an avid dog lover, owning many canine companions over the years. Alan was a very loving and caring husband, father, brother, uncle and friend to many of the people he touched throughout his life. His presence with us will be forever missed yet his memory will be held dearly in the hearts of every one. He is survived by his wife, Ann; his sons, Elliot, Seth and Daniel, all at home; his siblings, Judy and Rick Schomer, of Herkimer, Abbe and Les Gross, of Florida, Holly and David Colon, of Macedon, NY, Jimmie and Audrey Nathan, of CT, and Debbie and David Mandala, of Texas; his mother-in-law, Ruth Weitzman, of New Hartford; his in-laws, Adele and Robert Sossen, of New Hartford, and David Weitzman and Sharon Levit, of Vestal, NY; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends and band mates. Alan's funeral will be 12 p.m., Thursday, April 3, 2014, from Jacobson-Pizer Funeral Chapel, Inc., 1123 Court at York Sts., Utica, with Cantor Kal Socolof officiating. Interment will be held privately by the immediate family. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to pay their respects from 10 a.m. until the time of the services on Thursday, April 3, 2014, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations, in Alan's memory, be offered to the American Diabetes Assn. or the Stevens-Swan Humane Society. His arrangements are with Jacobson-Pizer Funeral Chapel, Inc., Utica. www.jacobsonpizerchapel.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Alan Nathan
Sponsored by Hilary Kayle Crist and Jennifer Kayle Posner.
larry wolhandler
March 27, 2025
ALBY, never forgotten
larry wolhandler
March 27, 2024
Alby, will never forget you
Mark Evangelos
March 27, 2021
I miss playing with my old buddy Al and hangin out at the donut shop with him .
Mark Evangelos
March 27, 2020
I miss Al very much. We had some great times together playing music and hanging out at the donut shop. I love my Brother Al and hopefully will see him again on the other side!!
Jimmy
March 27, 2019
Still missing you everyday.
Denise and Bobby Deitch
March 27, 2016
To Alan's family, we just saw this and were so saddened. We knew Alan from our Berklee days and had many a great time with him. We adored him. Love Denise & Bobby Deitch
Ann
October 5, 2014
So many firsts without Alan. Starting the Jewish New Year without him was very difficult. Wishing all who celebrate a healthy and happy 5775.
Here is a picture of the Standard Poodle puppies and our Boxer. We named the black one, four months old, Allie Bea after Alan Bruce. The chocolate puppy, six months, is called Donut. She is a reminder of the delicious goodies from Nathan's Bakery. And we cannot forget Chewy, our five year old Boxer.
Wedding Cake by Alan. It was delicious!
Ann Nathan
July 3, 2014
Alan has already been gone for 3 months and I miss him more every day. I am listening to his Blues and Black Coffee CD right now. At least we have his music recorded. I close my eyes and picture him playing with the band at the Lake Front in Old Forge, totally enjoying himself.
Thank you to everyone who sent cards and made donations in Alan's memory. And thank you to everyone for your calls and support. I will get thank you notes out to everyone. It is taking me a long time to get the notes written. Daniel's Bar Mitzvah preparations took all my time in April, May and June. I am now dedicated to finishing up the thank you notes.
I am sad to announce that Nathan's Bakery is for sale. There are some people seriously interested in the building. I know the bakery will end up with the right family.
"Blues and Black Coffee at the start of the day...the blues will surely come your way."
With love,
Ann
Howard Nathan
June 23, 2014
I will miss my Brother from another mother... people always ask if I was related to Alan, and I would answer, only by friendship! Will never forget the evening a few summers back when he let me sing while he played up at Tony Harper's. Truly a fine man and a loss to the community! Rest in Peace, and play on, my friend!
Bob Cesari
June 23, 2014
As time goes by, the loss of a friend is more keenly felt.
A few cups of coffee at the bakery, a few gigs playing music, many days of teaching together, countless laughs and silly times, just to get through the work day.......many memories of a man who left his mark.
You are missed Al.
Gunnar Wordon
June 2, 2014
We only knew Nate from weekends spent in Old Forge, however I must say that a Sunday morning wasn't complete without a stop at Nate's for a coffee and a bagel. Whether he was annoyed by the parking job of a fellow New Yorker in front of his shop, or his distaste for a gig the night before, Nate always had a story. He was full of energy, full of life. When we were up last weekend, Nate's was closed, only to find out our dear friend had passed. Rest in Peace Nate, you were truly awesome.
Joe Borgia
April 17, 2014
Great teacher. Great musician. This is a real loss. Prayers for your friends and family.
Michele DeAngelo
April 16, 2014
To my dear friend Ann, thoughts and prayers are with you and the boys during this difficult time. Alan touched so many lives in all areas of his life. He will be truly missed!! Please keep in touch and reach out if you need anything. I hope to see you soon<3
Don & Kathy Simons
April 16, 2014
Dear Judy and the Nathan Family, We are so sorry to hear about Alan's passing. We send our condolences to your family.
Piggy Pat's April, 2010
Ann Nathan
April 13, 2014
Lakefront 2013
Ann Nathan
April 13, 2014
April 13, 2014
Listening to Dire Straits, So Far Away and missing you...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObzXL0p7t1E&list=RD4rs9rCP_wpY
Aviva Philipson
April 10, 2014
My love and condolences to you my special friend,Annie.Can't wait to get home a d give you and the boys a huge hug and sit down together and talk about the good times we've had.
Dori and Steve Critelli
April 9, 2014
Our love to you, Ann, and the boys. Please know that we are thinking of you and offer our sincere condolences.
Bronwyn Williams
April 8, 2014
Our prayers to Alan's family and my dear friend, Ann. We are so very sad about Alan's passing. You are in our hearts always. Love and peace to you.
Maryann Kowalsky
April 8, 2014
Alan had so many talents. He made the cake for my daughter's and also supplied the music. He was always friendly and had a huge smile and for me whenever I would see him. Ann, Elliot, Seth and Daniel, I send you my sincerest condolences.
Susie Zeidner
April 8, 2014
Dr Zeidner and I want to tell you how truly sorry we are for loss…… You are in our hearts.
Judy Oshansky
April 8, 2014
Alan had a way of making people feel special. He always had a joke, a smile, or a nickname ready. He was a whirling dervish in the kitchen. When I was 19, I worked with him at Nathan's Nosherie in Brookline. It remains one of my favorite jobs. It was so much fun working with Alan!!! He'd blast the jukebox at night, and we'd clean up together. I was always taken by his intense love for his dogs. He had a soft spot for animals, which is a beautiful thing. He was a wizard on the keyboards. Not too many of my relatives were musically talented...it was a treat having such an amazing musician as my cousin! I got to see him last August when I spent a week in Old Forge. Not having seen him for years, I was still greeted with his incredible gusto. He then plied us with yummy baked goods. And he sent me off with his CD...(which I will always treasure). My two friends loved meeting him, and were also distraught to hear the news of his untimely passing. Love to all who will miss him. What a void it will leave in Old Forge, and in the school system. And in the hearts of friends and loved ones. He was a great guy. Truly.
April 8, 2014
Sorry to hear about my cousin. Had some fond memories of a weekend in Boston with Alan and his monster dog. Harvey and Clara Gordon, Bloomfield Hills MI
[email protected]
Victor Kaplan
April 6, 2014
Sorry to hear Alan Nathan gone for good. I miss him very much so much. He were live my house for 3 years long time ago. we were great time. I wish He still around Utica. He is so wonderful man and Sweet heart msn
RICHARD KNIGHT
April 6, 2014
When Jane and I lived in Old Forge, I would enjoy a lively conversation with Alan while picking up delicious baked goods. And of course there was his music. We shared a common friend at the Berklee College of Music. A passionate, talented and compassionate human being.
Al at Old Forge Lakefront, Summer 2013
Ann Nathan
April 5, 2014
JP
April 5, 2014
Well, it's safe to say I am truly saddened by the news of your passing. You were an unforgettable person, someone who brought a smile to my face every time I walked into your bakery. We shared countless laughs and hours of carrying on. I've been going there since I was a kid. Saturdays won't be the same. I'll miss you Alan, you were truly one of a kind. May you rest in peace my good friend. Scunient!!
Stephen Hale
April 5, 2014
Always had a smile for us - cant believe we'll be up there in a few weeks and he won't be there to greet us Saturday am. Sandy and I will truly miss you.
April 5, 2014
My family and I always stopped by the bakery while we spent our summers in Old Forge. Alan will be dearly missed in the community. Sending our thoughts and prayers to his family.
Ashley Fowler
April 5, 2014
My love goes out to Alan's Family! He is a great man filled with great spirits. since I was younger working many, many years in old forge my morning stop at Nathans Bakery was a must. He touched peoples hearts in many ways through food, music, or just a simple conversation.
John Williamson
April 4, 2014
My condolences to all of Al's family, friends, and students. I had the absolute pleasure of playing several times with Al and Mark Evangelos. Al was a true professional and a great guy as well. I'm grateful for the opportunities I had to work with him.
Mark Evangelos
April 4, 2014
Al was a dear friend. I was shocked to hear of his passing as we talked a month ago and I had no idea he was ill. I knew Al since 1967 when we played music together in Boston. We went to Dean Jr. College in Franklin, Mass. I played many gigs with Al in Central and Western New York as of late. Al was always a pleasure to be around, a true friend. He always made sure I had plenty of donuts to bring home with me when we played in Old Forge. I am extremely saddened to lose this talented great friend, musician, and family man. My heart goes out to Ann and the boys and I send my deepest sympathies to your family. I loved Al and have nothing but the best memories.
JOHN DREXELIUS
April 4, 2014
ALAN COULD ALWAYS MAKE ME LAUGH, HE WAS A GOOD FRIEND. HE WILL BE MISSED. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALAN.
Anitha McKenzie
April 4, 2014
Mr. Nathan was one of my favorite teachers in middle school. He was an inspiration to me and many of the other students who had the pleasure of having him for music. My condolences to the family.
Jane Shapiro Humann
April 4, 2014
Dear Abbe & Judy and all of Alan's family, I'm very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
legna mejias
April 4, 2014
my condolences go tout to his family,
he was my music teacher when i was in jfk 18 yrs ago and a great teacher he was he also taught my daughter for three yrs may you rest in peace. forever in our hearts,you will be missed
Mike Robarge
April 3, 2014
Had the pleasure of playing with Al several times over the years. Great musician, baker,and human being. Very sad to hear the news
April 3, 2014
Thanks for all the great conversations, talented music and your caring ways. Rest in peace. You will truly be missed my friend. Sincere thoughts and prayers to the family. Bob & Dalejean Decker
Jerry and Maggie Ernenwein
April 3, 2014
Jerry and I remember working with Al at Ho-Jo's in Old Forge also with his sisters Abby and Judy. Al Was always fun and energetic to work with. We will miss him at the Bakery.May God be with you all at this time.
April 3, 2014
worked with al at jfk he always had a smile great memories last forever in your heart in sympathy Virginia orsino-boehlert
April 3, 2014
Dear Ann, My thoughts and prays are with you and I hope you find comfort in knowing this. Love, Patti Cook
Aaron and Joan Schecter-Dulitz
April 3, 2014
Our sincere condolences upon the passing of Alan. What a wonderful talented musician and a true gentleman-always caring for those around him. May you find a small measure of comfort in very fond memories.
Heather VanEtten
April 3, 2014
It was a privalge to work with Al at Kennedy. His humor and bright spirit will be dearly missed.
Roberta Schiavi
April 3, 2014
AL, you were a blessing to everyone who knew you. You were a good man that lead a good life. God be with you and your family. We'll miss you.
Roberta Schiavi
Grant Rasha
April 3, 2014
I had the pleasure of working with Al at JFK. We did bus duty together and he was a trip. Al had catch phrases like, “Pull ahead now” or Come along now.” Al told it like it was, which is why people respected him. He was always there to help others. He made everyone laugh with his amazing sense of humor.
Al was a humorous and talented musician too. The staff loved to watch and listen to him play at the Christmas parties and at Piggy Pats. Of course, we all looked forward to his donuts after the performances. Al is now playing, “Free Bird” for the man upstairs and I am sure He is delighted to hear him. Whenever I would go and listen to him play, I would yell, “Free Bird!” It wasn't my favorite song, but Al would play it and laugh.
I will miss hearing him yelling crazy sayings to me as I walk into his bakery in Old Forge.
Al, you will be missed by all of us. You were a great friend and co-worker.
God Bless
Henry Albrecht
April 3, 2014
The Albrecht family is very sorry for your loss.
Gail Meyer
April 2, 2014
No way to put into words the sadness of this. We grew up together. Life ends but that reality is way too soon. Remember that pug you had and when you took it's collar off he just went crazy. I remember like yesterday being around you.
Thinking of you. Love to family.
Judy & Bill Wengert
April 2, 2014
Alan will be missed. He was a unique individual with amazing talents. His musical talents were a Gift that he shared with many. RIP Alan.
Carol Slawson
April 2, 2014
I enjoyed all of the banter between Al and the regulars at Nathan's Bakery that carried on every day, all day long. Stopping by to say hello and catch up was an Adirondack tradition for Will and me. Will's father, John Riggs, loved Al's rolls even when he lost most of his appetite and Al's friendship meant very much to us. We will miss him greatly.
Ken Hall
April 2, 2014
Broke my heart to hear this sad news ,I worked with Al 30 years ago at Hemstrought's Bakery , we became friends the very first day, we always talked about opening a bakery together, ran into Al again 30 years later at JFK ,when I was working security there, Al was a great friend and person , my heart and prayers go out to his family . May you rest in peace old friend ,til we meet again
thomas grimes
April 2, 2014
thank you mr. nathan for being one of the best music teachers and teaching more about music in middle school. you were always teaching me about music everyday while i was at jfk u will be missed thomas grimes
Debbie Sweeney
April 2, 2014
Al Nathan... mega talented, brutally honest, compassionately kind, funny, sincere are just a few things that come to mind when thinking of Al. Our lives are better because we have known him. God be with the Nathan family through this difficult time. The community grieves with you.
Kristi
April 2, 2014
RIP Mr Nathan. I will miss all of your stories, one-liners, and support you have given throughout my years in Utica. Prayers to all of your family and friends. Play us all a song from up above.
April 2, 2014
To Alan's family: Word's cannot express my sympathy. I spoke to Al on 3/30 at my weekly stop at the bakery. Old Forge has lost another LEGEND. We will never forget listening to Al and his band at the Old Forge Pond last summer. I know that he has touched so many lives. Al will be remembered by so many.
Robert and Sandy Agresta. Old Forge.
Susan Young
April 2, 2014
To everyone in Al's family-I was so sad to hear of his passing. He was a wonderful person, musician, and teacher and always made everyone laugh!!
April 2, 2014
We are very saddened that Al has passed away. He added much joy to our trips to Old Forge...our trips to the bakery and conversations with Al were highlights of many weekends. He is already greatly missed.
April 2, 2014
Al till we meet again. Love you.Jimmy
Hilary Crist
April 2, 2014
Dear Cousin, So sorry for this tragic loss. I will always have great memories of Alan - starting in childhood when his family had a camp across the channel from ours. I remember one summer night when Norm Villiere took Alan and me into the Adirondack League - a real adventure. We always made a point to see him in the bakery when we came to O.F. Alan always had so much joy in his life - he got great "nachas" from his family, his dogs, his music, his baking. Peter and I are with you in spirit. Our hearts go out to you and the boys. All our love.
Michelle LaQuay
April 2, 2014
From J.F.K. to the many chats over coffee at the bakery to listening to his impressive keyboard playing... I have many fond memories of Al. He has left a void, especially in Old Forge where he will be greatly missed
Louis & Karen Lougnot
April 2, 2014
Jim & family,
Old forge will be a less special place for us without Alan, he will be deeply missed. Our sincerest sympathies to the entire family.
Vanessa
April 2, 2014
Mr.Nathan was an awesome choir teacher and will be greatly missed.He was my choir teacher last year. I will miss seeing him in the halls . My condolences are with the family ??
Christine Golden
April 2, 2014
He was a very talented man and a good friend. He will be missed. I am so sorry for your loss.
GERI Mahoney
April 2, 2014
Dear Ann,Elliot,Seth and Daniel, I'm so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and Prayers are with you at this difficult time. With my Sympathy. Love to all Geri Mahoney
joanne gerace
April 2, 2014
i am so very saddened by the passing of Al Nathan
He was just booking a spring gig at Tiny's in the next few weeks
I can only say he was a fantastic musician and a REALLY good guy
He was always fun to work with and I will miss him very much
Carrie Ertl
April 2, 2014
Dear Nathan family, I am so sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of arranging for Al and his band to play at the club a few times. I always enjoyed our conversations and as far as I'm concerned he had the best band in the area. He knew what to play to keep everyone moving and it was always brilliant. I hope he enjoyed it just as much as we did.
When we would camp in the woods my Dad would often show up at the crack of dawn with a bag of Nathan's Donuts, of course the kids were thrilled! I could never have thanked him enough for such sweet memories. My thoughts, prayers and love to you all.
Jason DiNardo
April 2, 2014
So long Al. Gonna miss the chats over bagels and coffee on my Old Forge trips. My condolences to the family.
Dave Brindisi
April 2, 2014
Dear Judy, Abbé, Holly, Jimmie and Debbie, I am really sorry to hear the news about Al. It is always sad to hear about the passing of someone you grew up with. I will always remember Al's infectious laugh. It was easy to hear and not something easily forgotten.My condolences to all of you and I will remember Al in my prayers
Alec Walsh
April 2, 2014
a highlight of our summers was driving into town with the kids, buying a hot sugar-cinnamon donut and a cup of coffee from Alan and taking in the scene. We would talk about the ABB shows over the winter at the Beacon. He was a lovely man who made an impact on people's lives.
He will be missed
Sarah Haddad
April 2, 2014
Mr. Nathan was one of my favorite and most memorable teachers growing up. He will be greatly missed by all those that have known him. May he rest in peace.
April 2, 2014
MY SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO THE NATHAN FAMILY. AL WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED AS AN 'ICON' AND MENTOR TO HUNDREDS OF MUSIC STUDENTS IN THE UCSD. I HAD MANY A GREAT TIME AT PIGGY PATS SEEING HIS WONDERFUL TALENTED BLUE STREAKS. WITH SYMPATHY, MIA DEBERNARDIS - COLUMBUS SCHOOL MUSIC
Patricia Pelletier-Duffy
April 2, 2014
So sorry for your loss. I worked for Alan when he first started his bakery when it was next to the Strand Theater. Several years later, Alan created my wedding cake! May you find comfort with your family and friends in the coming days.
Patricia Tedesco
April 2, 2014
Dear Jimmy: My thoughts are with you and your family as you adjust to your life without your brother Alan
. When it comes to family...we never have them on this earth long enough. Love to you and yours.
Joanne Worrall (Pacilio)
April 2, 2014
My sincere condolences to Alan's entire family. I'm sure he will be forever remembered as a talented, thoughtful and fun-loving person, who added much joy and music to this world!
Ned and Julie Doggett
April 2, 2014
We will cherish Alan's friendship, and memories of times spent together forever in our hearts. Our thoughts and prayers to Alan's family.
April 2, 2014
We've lost a good man. Our condolences to Al's family.
the Werchowskis
dave babcock
April 2, 2014
Al God bless you. you said it like it was and that's what made you a special person Rusty and I will miss you and our weekends at the bakery having coffee and donuts thanks my freind
Larry Wolhandler
April 2, 2014
Albee, you will be so missed. There will never be another like you.
Rebecca Henry
April 2, 2014
Alan was a wonderful boss while I worked at the bakery in my high school days. Behind the gruff exterior was a very caring man. I have nothing but funny and happy memories of working with him. Sending loving thoughts to the family.
April 2, 2014
mr Nathan was my teacher many years ago. he was a wonderful teacher his students liked going to his class as he made learning fun. I
had a chance to talk to him in the fall when school started at jfk . it was nice to see him.
he will be greatly missed. thoughts and prayers to his family . may you all keep his memories alive in your hearts. I will keep you all in my prayers at this difficult time .
john brown
April 2, 2014
My deepest sympathies to Ann and family. Al was always a bright light in an often dim world. His perspective was always thought provoking. Hard working, talented, and always grounded, Al will be missed by a community, that will grieve his loss for a very long time. May his memory be eternal.
Cliff Rosen
April 2, 2014
Alan was a wonderful and talented individual. He will be missed. My regards to Annie and family
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