Name: Celebration of Life for Al "Alvin" Stewart
Start: 2016-10-21T15:00:00.000Z
End: 2016-10-21T17:00:00.000Z
Location: Toale Brothers Funeral Home & Crematory - Colonial Chapel - Sarasota

Stewart, Al "Alvin"
February 26, 1927 - October17, 2016
Al (Alvin) Stewart, 89, died peacefully on Mon. Oct. 17, 2016 at Tidewell Hospice in Sarasota. Al is survived by his beloved wife Tandy, of 46 years, and his two beloved children, Leonard (Lydia) of Spain, and Amy of California, as well as his brother Bernie (Rosemary) and 2 nephews, John and David. Born in Brooklyn on February 26, 1927, he was the son of the late Samuel and Anna Goldberg.
At 17, Al enlisted in the Navy where he remained until discharge in 1946.
Al's professional career spanned many avenues in the entertainment industry. He performed with Louis Prima, Benny Goodman, Dizzie Gillespie, Woody Herman and Charlie Barnet, amongst others, and also played in numerous Broadway Shows. Al worked numerous radio and TV shows, including Ed Sullivan, Johnny Carson, Jackie Gleason and the Jerry Lewis Telethons. His recently published book MY VIEW FROM THE BANDSTAND was welcomed by the musical community. In 1973 and 75, Al recorded two albums for RCA, which featured him on the piccolo trumpet. Al was a true renaissance man with additional talents in photography and stained glass. His art was sold by Neiman Marcus, Dunhills and Tiffanys, and displayed in the Sarasota area.
He was generous to the finish, and will be truly missed.
A celebration of life will be held Friday the 21st of October at 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Toale Brothers Funeral Home, North Orange Avenue, followed by a ceremony at the Sarasota National Cemetery on SR72 at 2:00 pm.
Donations may be made to the American Kidney Foundation (AKF) or Tidewell Hospice, Sarasota, Florida.

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

Published by Herald Tribune on Oct. 19, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Al Stewart

Sponsored by Toale Brothers Funeral Home & Crematory - Colonial Chapel - Sarasota.

7 Entries

Kevin Gibbons

October 13, 2019

I still think of him, each time I pick up my trumpet to play. I will never forget my time I spent with him in the Suncoast Jazz Ambassadors, my time I spent with him at his home, and his perseverance he displayed at performances, when he was ill. A true mentor and hero, in my book.

May 28, 2017

Tandy...you won't remember me...we met at Fox Hills Adult Community when your friends Sam and Joyce Zitman brought Al to my condo on the same floor because they knew of my love for American jazz..
Al brought his incredible photo book with him. I won't forget that afternoon. I peppered Al with all kinds of questions over a couple of gin and tonics.
I'm looking at the great photo of Dizzy's Big Band at Birdland 1956 and there's Al.with Lee Morgan, Wynton Kelly, Phil Woods, etc, etc.
When you returned to Sarasota, Al and I corresponded and exchanged CDs. Now I'm in San Diego and have just learned that Al is no longer with us. I'm reading everything I can find on Al on Google.
Tandy...I am sending you my heartfelt condolences.
Michael Hadlow
16041 Falcon Crest Drive
San Diego, CA92127

Esther and Warren F

December 10, 2016

Our beloved friend and neighbor, Al will continue to be in our hearts. His charms, talents as a musician and gifted artist made him a gem in our midst. Our genuine and sincere condolences to Tandy and his family.

Chrisyina Cabot

November 6, 2016

My love and affection for dear Al has always run deep -- some of my most cherished childhood memories include Al and Dad just hanging around our kitchen, talking shop and laughing about all the crazy adventures they had on the buses and pits that they so brilliantly graced with their talents throughout the years. What a great and beautiful friendship they maintained! I always was glad to be the one to answer the phone when Al called Dad. "Hey...Chris! Al! How ya doing?" His humor and goodwill was a gift to all, and as with Dad, will always hold him in my heart.Deepest condolences and love to Tandy, Leonard and Amy. Straight ahead. xo Christina Cabot

Jerry & Irene Wolfe

October 20, 2016

We offer our heartfelt condolences to Tandy. Leonard & Lydia and Amy. May the beautiful memories comfort your hearts at this difficult time.
I will miss hearing Al play his trumpet when I would be out in our yard!

Blessings to the entire family,
Irene & Jerry

Bob Russo

October 19, 2016

I am very sorry for your loss. My Dad (Irwin Russo) worked with Al in a variety of places and they would speak periodically and reminisce about a Broadway show called Whoop-Up that they did together. My father always enjoyed the conversations and would tell me what a fine trumpet player Al was. I had the pleasure of meeting Al one night at a concert in Emerson NJ and also used to see him with some other trumpet players at the diner in Park Ridge NJ. He was a wonderful musician and a fine gentleman.

Kevin Gibbons

October 18, 2016

You inspired me with your playing. You educated me when we talked. I was honored to walk with you and help you to your car after Jazz band rehearsals and performances. I will never forget our visit at your home. In the short time I have known you, it turned into a seemingly lifetime of memories. You have made me a better musician and human being. Your trumpet is silent but your legacy is with all who knew you. Good bye dear friend

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