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FUNERAL HOME
18840 W. Dixie Hwy
North Miami Beach, Florida
Alan Gittelson Obituary
February 5, 1950 - August 30, 2020
Miami, Florida - I passed away from Covid-19.
I was a humanitarian, philanthropist, and a prolific writer, having had numerous "Letters to the Editor" published in area newspapers.
My interest in politics spanned many decades; including work on Presidential, Senate, and Mayoral campaigns. I also volunteered as part of the Gadsden Tutorial Program, and at the After School House in South Miami. Additionally, I did volunteer office work for the late Father Mullaly at Cedars of Lebanon Hospital.
When I had apartments, I took in the homeless so they didn't have to sleep in the rain. I considered myself a "mench" (a "good man" in Hebrew). Although Jewish, I proudly had Palestinian friends -- because I considered myself to be a peace-maker and a very good diplomat.
I attended Coral Gables High School where I was on the golf team and my finest achievement was making an ace in 1967. I served as sports editor of the yearbook for two years. I attended FSU where I overcame my shyness and learned more about politics. I also attended Miami-Dade Community College where I met and dated my college sweetheart, Patty, who was the prettiest and sweetest girl on campus.
I worked hard for 30 years and did everything from washing dishes, babysitting, delivering newspapers, working at Ben and Jerry's to writing my own newsletter, "The Humanitarian." I enjoyed playing chess and Scrabble. I was upbeat and enjoyed telling jokes to entertain my friends. My favorite slogan was: "I like hugs, not drugs."
I am survived by my mother, Mildred ("Mickey"), brothers Howard (Nadine and niece, Julie) and Gary (Cheri), as well as cousins Tina W. August, Richard A. Woolf (Paula), Tony Gittelson (Amy), Celia Gittelson, and Eve Gittelson
Donations can be made to my favorite charity, CARE, which is an international relief agency that aids victims of poverty, famine, disease and natural disasters. CARE serves some of the poorest communities on earth. Please give as generously as you can.
Memories and Condolences
for Alan Gittelson
7 Entries
Margot Conway
April 26, 2024
I'm sorry I'm just hearing of this. Alan I remember seeing all your letters to the editor
in the Miami Herald. You were so witty, intelligent and had one of the best sense of humor I have ever come across in my life. You were also a very compassionate person and always cared so much about social injustice.
When I think of you it always brings a smile to my face. It was a pleasure meeting you.
I didn't know you were a fellow Coral Gables alumni, for that I am proud.
Condolences to your friends and family
Margot
Stephen
January 27, 2024
Alan, you'd often visit my store in Coral Gables. Always kind, and always with a warm and genuine smile. Thank you for being part of my life, and a friend.
María E Salinas
February 16, 2023
Alan, I will always remember you with fondness. So witty, so smart! Some people only saw your illness and not the rest of you.
Maria E. Salinas
Richard White
February 25, 2021
Wow. I, too, remember Lanny from West Lab, even though I haven't thought of him for 58 years. RIP, old buddy.
Stefanie Ross Schinoff
February 21, 2021
I've known Lanny since kindergarten days at West Lab. I would run into him over the years and he was always very friendly, sincere, and never without a big smile. I am especially sad that his life was taken due to Covid. RIP Lanny!
Sincerely,
Stefanie Ross Schinoff
Karen
February 21, 2021
I remember "Lanny" from West Lab days. He was always a favorite friend back then. So sorry for your loss.
Karen Rosendorf McClure
María E Salinas
February 21, 2021
I knew his father and later on met Alan at my place of work. He was funny, witty and extremely intelligent. I read his Letters to the Editor with wonder.
I will always remember you Alan. Does not surprise me you wrote your own obituary.
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Levitt-Weinstein Blasberg, Rubin-Zilbert Memorial Chapels18840 W. Dixie Hwy, North Miami Beach, FL 33180
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