Al West

Al West was born in Live Oak, Florida, to Benjamin and Lizzie Rayam West, the second of five children. When he was three years old, his family moved to New Jersey, where he was raised and his lifelong love of music, community, and fellowship began.

Al graduated from West Side High School in Newark in 1969. A gifted singer, he was a member of the school chorus and performed an opera duet. During these years, he faithfully attended Elmwood United Presbyterian Church, singing in the choir under the direction of Minister of Music Fred Martin, who was also his music teacher at West Side.

While at West Side, Al helped found the fraternity Iota Nu Lambda, an organization known for its strong sense of brotherhood and commitment to community service. Through this experience, Al developed a lifelong dedication to giving back. He supported programs at the Newark YMCA and worked with Congressman Donald Payne Sr. He also participated in summer programs at Princeton University.

After graduating with a class rank of #26, Al attended Rutgers College in New Brunswick beginning in the fall of 1969. During his sophomore year, he became a proud member of Groove Phi Groove Social Fellowship, Inc. through the Kean University (Newark State College) Squire Chapter and later founded the Rutgers College Scarlet Knight Chapter. He is still a member of the Central Jersey Grad Chapter.

In 1971, during his junior year at Rutgers, Al met the love of his life, Denise Joyner West. They shared 49½ wonderful years of marriage and raised one son, Justin. Both Al and Denise continued their education at Rutgers University–Newark, where they earned master's degrees in business.

Al spent much of his professional career working in human resources and pharmaceutical sales for several Fortune 500 companies in New York and New Jersey. His final position was with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). His warmth, energy, and outgoing personality made him a natural in his field and earned him the respect of colleagues and clients alike.

For 35 years, Al and his family lived in Westfield, New Jersey, where he was deeply involved in community service. He served for ten years on the Board of Directors of the Westfield Area YMCA and mentored students through its Black Achievers Program. In 2005, Al, Denise, and Justin were honored as Volunteers of the Year. He also served as Co-President of the Rutgers Business School Edmund L. Houston Foundation, helping raise funds to provide scholarships and tutoring for Black MBA students.

Al and Denise were married at First Baptist Church in Cranford, New Jersey, but he eventually returned to Elmwood United Presbyterian Church, drawn back by the powerful preaching, inspiring music, and enduring friendships. Though he moved away, he remained a devoted member for more than 40 years and faithfully watched services online each Sunday.

In recent years, Al and Denise made their home in Sarasota, Florida, where he enjoyed semi-retirement. Always entrepreneurial, he launched an online promotional merchandise and gift business, Nisa Gifts LLC, which kept him busy and engaged.

Al loved life and embraced it fully. He often greeted visitors to Florida with a smile and the words, "Welcome to Paradise." Known as the family's "music man," he enjoyed everything from jazz, R&B, hip-hop, and electronic dance music to classical favorites. Every Christmas season, Handel's Messiah-both the traditional and soulful versions-was a must-listen in his home. Al loved gathering people together, and his home was often filled with laughter, music, and celebration. He truly never met a stranger.

On Wednesday, March 11, Al departed this life peacefully at Tampa General Hospital. He had courageously lived with atrial fibrillation for many years, and more recently faced complications from congestive heart failure and heart valve disease. Despite the tireless efforts of his doctors and caregivers, his heart could fight no longer. Though our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in knowing he now rests safely in the loving arms of the Lord.

Al was preceded in death by his parents, Lizzie and Benjamin West, and his brother, Michael David West.

He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Denise; his loving son, Justin (RaShanda) of Charlotte, NC; his siblings Thomas James West (Janice) of Atlanta, GA; Keith West (Deidre) of Lumberton, NJ; and Debra Lynn West of Lumberton, NJ; brother-in-law Wendell Joyner of Nazareth, PA: his sister-in-law Lavinia West of Bethlehem, PA; along with many beloved nieces & nephews; Kisha Bacon (Wayne), Kimberly West (Trestian), Kris West (Ndia), Kaitlyn West, Michele West, LaRonda Moorefield, Arial West-Boswell, Josiah Joyner, Candace Moody, Michele Joyner, Tasha Joyner. Plus, a host of grand-nieces, grand-nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever remember his kindness, laughter, and generous spirit. He also leaves behind his cherished friend and "best buddy," Otis Harper.

Al's life was defined by love-for his family, his faith, his friends, and his community. His warmth, generosity, and joyful spirit will continue to live on in all who knew him.

in lieu of flowers please donate to: Rutgers Business School Edmund L Houston Foundation. https://www.edmundlhoustonfoundation.org/

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