CANTOR--Gerald Alan,
84, died peacefully on October 16, 2018 of complications of a fall playing tennis. Gerry loved life. First and foremost, he loved his family: his wife of 61 years, Dorothy; his children Josh and Laura (David); his grandchildren Brad (Danielle), Scott (Natalie), Andrew (Jenna), Alex (Melissa) and Molly (Ethan); and his brothers William (Paula) and Howard (Pam) as well as his many nieces and nephews and their children. He loved Judaism and the Jewish community. He attended Shabbat services weekly at one of the three Temples to which he belonged, Emanu-El of Westfield, NJ, Steven Wise Free Synagogue in New York City and Isaac M. Wise Temple, Cincinnati. He was twice President of Jewish Federation of Central NJ, President of Rutgers Hillel, and active on the Audit Committee of the Jewish Agency. He loved his work as a stockbroker, still working with his partner of 52 years, Bernie. He loved playing. He loved to travel. He did the New York Times crossword in ink daily and on Sunday, and gave himself a grade on it. He loved the Mets and the Jets. He loved the theater, both as an audience member and for years, as an actor in community theater. He played the piano and the ukulele. He loved taking long walks. And of course, he loved tennis! He still had so much to live for - a first great-grandchild due in November, his children being honored at a function in May, vacations planned with family and friends, and just the pleasures of day-to-day life. We have lost an extraordinary man. Funeral services will be held at 11am today, October 18th, at Temple Emanu-El of Westfield, 756 East Broad St. in Westfield, NJ with interment to follow at Beth Israel Cemetery in Woodbridge, NJ. Shiva to follow at his home. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to Jewish Federation of Metrowest in Whippany, NJ or JDRF Southwest Ohio Chapter in Cincinnati, OH. For further information, please call J.L. Apter Memorial Chapels of Maplewood at (973)376-2600.
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