Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

About

Severn School George Washington University University of Maryland

Alan Pastrana Obituary

Alan Pastrana passed away on April 8 at Anne Arundel Medical Center after a brief illness. He was born in Annapolis, Maryland, the second of nine children, to the late Charles and Ruth Pastrana. Alan attended Annapolis High School and excelled at football, wrestling, and lacrosse. His leadership skills were recognized early as he captained all three of his high school teams. A most cherished memory for him was being part of the undefeated 1962 Annapolis High School football team. After graduating from high school in 1963 he attended Severn School for a prep year where he could again be found on the gridiron throwing touchdowns. In 1964, he received a football scholarship to the University of Maryland, College Park. In 1966, he ranked third in offense in the ACC throwing for 1499 yards and completing 17 touchdown passes. Alan held the passing record at Maryland for 16 years until it was broken by Boomer Esiason in 1982. Upon graduating from Maryland, Alan was drafted by Lou Saban and the Denver Broncos. After two years in the NFL, he accepted a job at Anne Arundel Community College where he taught Health and Physical Fitness and coached football and lacrosse. He received his Master's Degree from George Washington University. Alan was more than an outstanding athlete. He was an extraordinary teacher and coach, reaching out to youngsters throughout the Annapolis/Anne Arundel communities. One of his greatest pleasures was working with Dr. Robert Graw Jr. and Headfirst/Righttime as a community advisor to educate students, parents and trainers on concussion awareness and safety on the field. As an elite athlete, Alan accumulated many awards and honors but nothing meant as much to him as his family. He married his college sweetheart, Diane Laudenslager, also of Annapolis, and was a devoted family man. Even while coaching he always managed to find time to help out with the family waterproofing business during the summer. Alan will be remembered not only for his outstanding athleticism but his huge heart, unselfish work ethic, and above all his love of family. Alan and Diane have been married for 51 years. They have been blessed with two wonderful daughters; Shannon Pastrana Overend (Chris) and Lisa Pastrana Brabazon (John). Fortunately the two girls gave Alan five grandsons; Zack Christian, John Joseph (J.J.) , Luke Alan, Chase McKinney and Michael Cole (Mac) and, oh yes, one sweet girl named Claire Ruth. Alan was predeceased by his brother Richard (Gina), and is survived by sisters; Lyn Durland (Dan), Kate Howard (Damien), Dawn Powell (Dean) and brothers; Robert (Laura), Ron (Anita), Roger (Juli) and Russell (Paula). There will be a memorial event to celebrate his life at a later date. Donations may be made to the Alan Pastrana Memorial Athletic Fund, Annapolis High School, 2700 Riva Road, Annapolis MD 21401 Or Donate directly to the link below. https://osp.osmsinc.com/AnneArundel/BVModules/ProductTemplates/Bvc2013/Product.aspx?productid=A4013-VAR21

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

Published by The Capital Gazette on Apr. 11, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Alan Pastrana

27 Entries

Gary Bloss

August 4, 2021

A wonderful man and coach. He was everyone's BIG brother at AACC and in the community. I will miss his personality and smile.

Howard Beard

July 31, 2021

Rob Thomas

May 3, 2021

Alan was my wrestling coach at Anne Arundel. He was also my teacher (professor). Mostly, a life coach and friend for my short stay at AACC. He was above all things a proud reminder of all we need to become for our community. Though I haven't had contact with Coach for ever so many years, I can say without reserve, he will indeed be missed.

Peter Siegert

April 25, 2021

He was a great athlete and an even greater person. He will be missed by many.

Allen Cuffia

April 22, 2021

I first met Coach Pastrana in 1986, as a freshman on the AACC football team. My initial introduction came through the mail as I saw practice would be at 5:00 pm each day. "What? No, two-a-days?" I learned that Coach had a business that he ran with his family. Rule #1: Family over football. That year, our small team (numbers and stature) became a family, orchestrated by Coach Pastrana. He was instrumental into my becoming a man, as I was a hard-headed West Baltimore kid that knew everything and was bulletproof. However, I didn't realize how instrumental he was in my life until I started coaching, growing into fatherhood, teaching, etc. I did not leave our team on good terms in 1988, primarily due to my stubbornness. However, I would Coach constantly as I attended my PE and Health classes and not once do he ever hold a grudge. The most enduring moment came when he accepted my friend request on FB roughly a year ago. I told him what he meant to me and he called me "friend." I was almost in tears. I wanted to see him to hug him to SHOW him what he meant to me in my development into a man. Sadly, I could not and he never REALLY knew the impact he had on me. I will post his picture in my classroom and proudly tell my students that "that is MY COACH!"

Steven Songer

April 15, 2021

Diane,
Sharon and I send all our love. You are always someone we think of with that warm, comfortable, accepting grace that brings a smile and an atmosphere of welcome. From the time we met you and Alan all those years ago, at Bill and Joann’s, we have felt that instant bond, much of which you two reflected in your instant smiles. We miss you, and we will miss Alan greatly. One of a kind, of course, but the accent is on kind. Could any human reflect it more?
All our love
Steve and Sharon Songer

Sarah

April 14, 2021

My only college professor I remember well was Mr. Pastrana. I was inspired on how much he loved teaching- come to find out, the love for teaching runs in the family. I also had a high school teacher Ms. Pastrana. I'm so sorry for your loss- he was a great teacher and will always remembered.

Henry "Phil" Thomas

April 14, 2021

My thoughts and prayers go out to Alan's wife and daughters and the entire Pastrana family. Alan and his family were neighbors and all the guys looked up to Alan when growing up. His family was a force to be reckoned with, they were a very tight knit group They worked hard and played hard. I remember the famous backyard pool! He was always a genuine and upstanding individual. He never left his popularity and fame go to his head. I remember in high school he had a car, I think it was an old Ford, he would come down the drive (Elliot Road) and pick up us kids at the bus stop. Now, how cool was that to be drivcen to school by the most popular guy in high school. As the years passed we all moved on, life took over. Fond memories my friend, God Bless.

Gloria Vandam

April 13, 2021

Diane this is Gloria Reese-Vandam from MI I was surprised & saden to hear of Alan's passing. Every night you are in my prayers. I wish along with many this never happened. Alan was genuine caring guy Everyone enjoyed being in his company. What I find amazing is all the good he did in this world to help others. You two made the perfect couple. The world is a better place because of how he lived his life. So I'd like to think of him up in Heaven throwing the football around with those who went before him, Doug Macey, Buck etc. God Bless you, knowing he was a gift & unforgetable to us all.

Nancy Oslislo

April 13, 2021

So very sorry to hear this news. Alan was genuine... a very caring, giving and kind person who always had a smile on his face. Loving prayers and my heartfelt thoughts go out to his family.

Charles Gillmer

April 12, 2021

Lyn, and the Pastrana family, I was shocked and so saddened to hear about Alan's passing. All the wonderful accolades about Alan are most certainly earned and deserved. Robert's comment, "he was one of a kind" says it all. Please accept my condolences and deep sympathies. Old Annapolis Friend, Charley Gillmer

Patty McCarthy-ONeill

April 12, 2021

I was so absolutely shocked and saddened to hear of Al's passing. Al was one of those special people who brightened a room just by being in it. His infectious smile and kind heart will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Janet Schrader Greentree

April 12, 2021

So sorry to hear of Alan's passing. Our families attended St. Martin's Lutheran Church together when it was on Francis Street. Such a nice family. Below is an old picture of Alan - top left - next to me at Nancy Carol Wilson's birthday party a long, long time ago.

Susan Goldberg

April 12, 2021

Nice family. Grew up down the street from the Pastrana’s

Paul H Love

Planted Trees

Earl S. Christy

April 11, 2021

The two years I had you as my coach was the luckiest break I ever had in that critical life stage of transitioning to adulthood. Your generosity with your time & always looking to give others an edge to help them through out their life has served me well. Always a giver! Your lessons last on forever. Thank you Coach!

Wilda Apostol

April 11, 2021

Diane, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family. (May Alan's Memory Be Eternal)!!!

Patty Dervos Johnsen

April 10, 2021

Alan was one of my very favorite people at AACC. Such a tragic loss of a wonderful man. My condolences to his family.

Barton Evans

April 10, 2021

Another lion gone. I have never forgotten Alan’s kindness to me.

Bart Evans AHS 1967

Wendy Ratchford Rhoe

April 10, 2021

I was so sorry to hear about Mr. Pastrana. I certainly have fond memories of when Mom and Mrs. Pastrana worked together at St. Martins School. The gang would get together at our home and Mr. Pastrana was always so friendly with a big smile. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

Pax Howard

April 10, 2021

I wish so much that I could sit down and have once last conversation with you. Looking back through our time together, you always made it about me. I was always the center of your attention when we were together. You made me feel so special Alan. I will miss you more than words can express and am so thankful to have shared some beautiful memories with you, like my first Maryland Terrapins football game. You really spoiled me that day. I will continue to try to emulate you in my adulthood and be the selfless, honorable, courageous man that you always were. Thank you so much all that you did to always make myself, my mother, and everyone around you feel so treasured and loved. I love you Alan, and I miss you a lot. Till we meet again. Rest in paradise.

Charlene Bove Eyster

April 9, 2021

Thinking of the entire Pastrana family. Other than my own family, I have known the Pastrana’s longer than anyone in my life. We lived next door on Elliott road for many years, so they were like family. A lot of great memories from those times, and a lot of injuries from the boys ! Every day was an adventure... Alan was older but still was involved in the fun and pranks. Those were the good ole days and I will always have fond memories of that time. Thoughts going out to Alan’s family and all the Pastrana’s. I know he will be greatly missed.

Tom Jarrell

April 9, 2021

Alan said he always thought of us as the big guys (class of 1960) but none of ever did as well as him. Sorry to hear this. I know he will be missed. Tommy Jarrell

Kate howard

April 9, 2021

A sister could have never dreamed of a better brother. I will always remember and cherish how often he called me ( and so many others!) " sweetheart" and in the most loving tone. Selfless, a loving son to our incredibly wonderful parents, devoted to his wife and daughters, crazy about his grandchildren, truly a man of the people- looking out for others wherever he found them. Rest in peace most wonderful brother, Kate Howard from Cambridge, Md.

Denise Snavely

April 9, 2021

DearDiane, I was so sadden to hear of Alan’s passing. The world is a poorer place with his loss. Everyone who knew him share in your grief. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Denise Snavely

Hal Housley

April 9, 2021

My condolences to Diane and Alan’s family. He was such a awesome friend and a giving person even to strangers and especially to young kids which they looked up to him.

Diane Murphy

April 9, 2021

A great man and teacher

Showing 1 - 27 of 27 results