Alvin Kaye Obituary

Alvin Kaye

February 7, 1925 -
February 9, 2012

Alvin Kaye, born in Brooklyn, NY, was the youngest of four brothers and sisters in a close-knit family. He was the beloved husband of Miriam (deceased), loving father of Ellen and Michael, and doting grandfather of Philip and Aurora. Al remained on the East Coast during the early part of his life, graduating from Cornell University with a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in animal husbandry. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy, joining his two older brothers in World War II service. Al served on the aircraft carrier USS Shangri-la, deployed in the Pacific Theatre. Al married the love of his life, Miriam, right after the war and began his own family, moving to New Jersey and working in NYC with his father-in-law in the garment industry. Al's family moved to San Pedro, CA in 1959, following earlier cross-country moves by his brothers, sister and mother, becoming a well-known and beloved San Pedro resident and local businessman. Initially working with brothers, Dick and Ira Kaye, and cousin, Robby Robinson, at Union War Surplus in downtown San Pedro, Al later became sole proprietor. Al became known to all as "Cheerful Al" with the big smile and friendly greeting he had for everyone he encountered. Operating from 1947 to 2010, Union War was a local institution. Memorable for his full beard and playful sense of humor, Al divided his time between family and business, managing to squeeze in weekend horseback rides on the Palos Verdes Peninsula and travels with Miriam. Al and Miriam enjoyed over 50 wonderful years together. Together, Al and Miriam adored being grandparents, spending as much time as possible with Philip and Aurora, and Al continued being active in his grandchildren's lives. Al is survived by daughter Ellen, son Michael, grandchildren Philip and Aurora, and loving nieces, nephews and cousins. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. A service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, February 16 in the chapel at Green Hills Memorial Park in Rancho Palos Verdes. Please sign the guestbook
at www.dailybreeze.com/obits.

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Published by Daily Breeze on Feb. 15, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Alvin Kaye

8 Entries

Salvatore Curcuru

August 20, 2020

I loved working for this guy. I remember walking to work one day cause my car broke down. He gave me a ride home. I didn't know much about him. But now I do, my father was also in the same war and was in the navy. Now I know why I got along with him so well. Rest in peace Sir. I won't shed a tear because I know in the end. We' ll all be together again. See you when I get there.

Mary Sanchez

February 16, 2012

My condolences to the Kaye family. I too was an employee at Union War Surplus in the 80's. I have to say that Cheerful Al was a great guy, always smiling and always chatting with his customers. He will be missed!

Lisa Donley

February 16, 2012

My deepest sympathy to Al's beloved children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Together Miriam and Al were truly loving and kind people and I was blessed to know them both and to call them my friends.

February 16, 2012

I am also an alumna of Union War Surplus: in the 80's, I was Al's bookeeper for a while. He was always kind, always cheerful in our work together. I will miss him.

Blessings to all the family on his passing.

Kathy Rogers, San Pedro

Kathy Rogers, San Pedro

Mia Taliercio

February 16, 2012

Cheerful Al was a great employer. I worked for him at Union War Surplus in the 1980's and it was a great place to work. He was a friendly and happy man who will be missed. It is an end of an era. My condolences to the family. Mia R. Taliercio

Chris Andries

February 15, 2012

My condolences to Al's family may God Bless you and help you through these sad times. He was a great caring person and will never be forgotten. Another San Pedro Icon that left a great impression on this town. Rest in Peace Al.

Larry Hebert

February 15, 2012

To the Kaye family, God bless you all at this very sad time. Al was a kind & good man & he will be missed. I miss seeing him and my mother at the store. Those are some very fond memories of mine. Please accept my sympathies & condolences.

Leslie Schwabe

February 15, 2012

My heart goes out to Al's family. I loved going into the store and seeing his smiling face, I Loved just walking around to see what was there, I don't think you could ever see everything he had in there. If you wanted a sweatshirt, sweatpants, boots, camping gear, ....or just about anything and everything it was there, no store would ever compare. Al will be missed.

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