Alan Labovitz

1936 - 2018

Alan Labovitz

Haslett - Alan was born January 26, 1936, in Philadelphia PA, the only child of Bertha and Max Labovitz. He passed away November 30, 2018, in East Lansing of complications from Alzheimer's disease. Alan graduated Central High and Temple University, in Philadelphia PA, did graduate work at Boston University, and earned a Ph.D. from MSU in 1970. He was on the faculty at Central Michigan University, the University of Evansville, and Western Michigan University, and retired from the Michigan Department of Human Services in 1997. Alan is survived by his wife, Judith Steinberg Labovitz, whom he married in 1961 in Philadelphia PA, two sons Gabriel (Stephenie) Labovitz of Chicago, Saul (Michele) Labovitz of Lansing, and three grandsons: Daniel Labovitz of Lansing, Joshua (Pavida) Drobney of Lansing, Michael Drobney of Lansing, David (Helen) Steinberg of Plainsboro NJ, and three nephews. Alan performed with many local theater groups, "acted" at MSU Colleges of Human and Osteopathic medicines patient simulation, and had small roles in two Indie movies including the acclaimed "The Funeral Guest." He was a docent at Potter Park Zoo for many years, and a long-standing member of the ACLU. He was not a religious man; he had an extremely strong belief in equality and the protection of civil liberties. These important core values were passed on to his beloved sons. Alan was active in prostate cancer research, served on a statewide prostate cancer coalition, and the Lansing Prostate Cancer Support Group. He had been a disc jockey and a letter carrier. He volunteered at the Great Lakes Folk Festival, Haven House, Ele's Place, sang with SOM singers, and volunteered at WKAR Radio Talking Books for many years, where he was featured in the June 1989 radio guide. He was a proud member of the one-time "spouse brigade" at the Greater Lansing Potters' Guild, served on the Bath Township Library Committee, was a Korean War veteran, and was a member of the MSU President's Club and a lifetime member of MSU Alumni Association. Alan, Saul, and Daniel attended a Rush concert, and decided the age difference of 59 years had to be some kind of record. He had a varied and interesting life! Alan was a gentle, kind, and quirky man, and will be sincerely missed. He loved a good party with good people, good food, and good music. A celebration in his honor will be announced at a later date. Special appreciation to the compassionate caregivers at the Center for Health and Rehabilitation at Burcham Hills who were so understanding and patient, and to Sparrow Hospice for their sensitive and caring support. Contributions in his honor may be sent to Potter Park Zoo, Greater Lansing Food Bank, Alzheimer's Association, Sparrow Hospice, or the organization of one's choice. Expressions of sympathy made be made to the family at www.greastlansing.com