Harold G. Alderman

Harold G. Alderman

Harold Alderman Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Oct. 29, 2017.
ALDERMAN Harold G. Alderman, age 81, was born in Jacksonville, FL, and passed away September 15, 2017, in Lincoln, MA. He served in the Navy, graduated from the University of Florida, and earned his Ph.D. at Tulane University. Professor of Philosophy at Sonoma State University in California for 29 years, Harold was a dynamic teacher who received the Distinguished Teaching Award and an outstanding colleague who served on many university committees. He was the author of Nietzsche's Gift , published in 1977, and thirty other academic publications. Later he wrote screenplays, detective novels, and semi-autobiographical short stories. He and his wife moved to New Orleans after he retired in 1998, then lived in the Boston area to be near their sons and families. He was an original man of agile mind, creative imagination, determined personality, and sentimental heart. He leaves his wife Chris of 51 years, sons Derrick and Jason, five grandsons, and brothers Peyton and Paul Phillips. Graveside gathering will be Nov. 4 at 3pm at Restlawn Cemetery, 2600 Ribault Scenic Dr., Jacksonville, FL. Cremation arrangements were made by Brasco & Sons Memorial Chapels, Waltham MA. Cremation was completed by Saint Michael Crematory, Boston, MA.

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

Sign Harold Alderman's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

September 17, 2021

Rebecca Wright Cintron Osvold posted to the memorial.

August 15, 2019

Francis Dezelski posted to the memorial.

May 14, 2018

Dana R Davies posted to the memorial.

Rebecca Wright Cintron Osvold

September 17, 2021

My horribly belated condolences to Chris and Jason and Derrick and their families as I only learned of this sad passing today while perusing the internet. Dr. Alderman was my favorite teacher of all time, a true genius who holds a special place in my heart forever. I appreciated his deep and authentic kindness and respect showed to everyone, oft well armored behind the observation of his consistent and admirable code of ethics and admonitions towards better (more conservative) ways one might choose to express their own miraculous individuality. His pride in his lovely and gifted wife and ambitious, strong sons was apparent to all. I am so sorry I did not get to read any of his contributions to the world of fiction and would love to be able to do so. I remember fondly his arch and gentle sense of humor. Much love, condolences and appreciations to the beautiful Alderman family.

Francis Dezelski

August 15, 2019

I had the great fortune of getting to know Harold Alderman in New Orleans around the years 2002 - 2004. He was great friend and conversationalist and encouraged my desire to study in the humanities. Even though I have a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, I ultimately finished an MTS (Masters of Theological Studies) here in Washington DC after living in Russia for several years with Shell Oil. Without Harold's influence and encouragement I might not have had the courage to break away from the practical side of life to follow after the things that truly matter. I regret that I did not have the opportunity to see him since his time in New Orleans. He was truly a very unique man. Francis Dezelski

Dana R Davies

May 14, 2018

Professor Alderman helped me immeasurably. I'd left SSU without earning my degree and many years later he helped me transfer in the credits I needed to graduate. I traveled back to campus for commencement and he was there the day I graduated. I was then able to go on to grad school and to have a rewarding and satisfactory career in higher ed. Now having just retired, I have looked him up and found that he passed last fall. I regret not having contacted him in the years since to thank him for his kindness and mentorship. His generous efforts on my behalf went above and beyond, and were enormously beneficial to me.

He and his wife Chris were very kind and welcome hosts to his philosophy students in the 70's at SSU, and we were honored to be invited to their home on occasion. He was a caring faculty member, very concerned with the welfare of his students. He had a great sense of humor and mentioned his family often with great fondness. My condolences to Chris and his family.

RIP, Professor Alderman.

February 5, 2018

He was a Beacon of Sound Reasonableness and Acuity in the ocean of touchy-feely-ism which were the late 60's in a Northern California University. He said, and I know not if it were original with him, "Percepts without Precepts, are Purblind." ( to be philosophically bankrupt ) That was the most succinct peroration of that which was "rotten in Denmark", at the time, and since, In the entire state. He had the temerity to challenge Heidegger to his face, in person, as is noted in his Book, "Nietzsche's Gift". Thank God for Dr. Alderman, a True "Nietzschean", a True Original Thinker !

Peyton Phillips IV

November 4, 2017

I am Peyton E. Phillips IV. when I was young in California Uncle Harold took me to a faculty meeting. He and other colleagues spent no time paying attention and instead helped Uncle Harold and I make the perfect paper airplane. It's a fond memory. To culminate this intriguing academic study, we then threw the paper airplane down to where whoever was speaking!!! A truly genius individual. I miss you.

Devon

October 31, 2017

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Steve & Carol Siegrist

October 29, 2017

Chris and Family,

Carol and I were so sorry to hear of Harold's passing. He lived a wonderful life and was a true family man. He and Jerry are now looking down on all of us hopefully enjoying a beer!!!

I will be in the hospital this coming Friday but will keep you all in my prayers.

Take good care of yourself!!!!!!!!

Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results

Make a Donation
in Harold Alderman's name

How to support Harold's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Harold Alderman's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Harold Alderman's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

September 17, 2021

Rebecca Wright Cintron Osvold posted to the memorial.

August 15, 2019

Francis Dezelski posted to the memorial.

May 14, 2018

Dana R Davies posted to the memorial.