Alan W. Firkins

Greece: November 19, 2025. Alan is predeceased by his parents, August & Caroline Firkins. He is survived by his wife Kathleen Firkins; sons, David (Kathryn) Firkins, Jeffrey (Amy) Firkins, Mark (Amy Jo) Firkins; grandchildren, Shannon Firkins, Conor Firkins, Colby (Carly) Firkins, Lexi Firkins, Thomas Firkins, Caroline Firkins, Travis Firkins; brother, Brian (Donna) Firkins; dear friends, Dave & Marilyn Ostrom; several nieces, nephews, cousins, & dear friends.

All services were private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Greece Historical Society, 595 Long Pond Rd., Rochester, NY 14626 in Alan's memory.

The Life Story of Alan Firkins

Alan Firkins was born on September 3, 1940, in Buffalo, New York, to August and Carol Firkins. His father served the community as a postman, and his mother worked as a high school secretary-two hard-working parents who instilled in him the values of discipline, responsibility, and humility. It was, in fact, a simple moment in his mother's workday that would change the course of his life: a tile store called the school looking for part-time help, and she handed them her son's name. That unexpected recommendation would spark a lifelong career and legacy in the tile industry.

Alan grew up attending Buffalo city schools and later Cleveland Hill High School. He was strong in math, played basketball, and-true to his self-made nature-went to work young. At 16, he started at B&A Tile in Buffalo, already displaying a grit and work ethic beyond his years. Soon, the company asked him to help open their Rochester branch, and Alan didn't hesitate. He said yes-and he never looked back.

From 1961 to 1967, Alan served as an aircraft mechanic in the Air National Guard, bringing the same meticulousness and sense of duty that would later define his business life. In 1972, guided by instinct, courage, and what would become one of his favorite life mottos-"$1,000, nobody's gonna beat me"-he borrowed that very amount from his in-laws and opened his own tile store. That business, Tile Wholesalers, became more than a workplace; it became his life's work, his pride, his legacy. Over 53 years and three generations, he built it into a respected, successful company rooted in integrity, hard work, and relationships. Alan was, in every sense, a self-made man.

He met the love of his life in 1957. When Junior Prom came around, he famously declared, "I don't care. I don't like proms," refusing to take her-but despite that stubbornness, the two built a marriage defined by partnership, determination, and deep devotion. She had the greatest impact on his life, and together they raised three sons-David, Mark, and Jeffrey-who kept the household busy with constant sports, laughter, and adventure.

Life in the neighborhood was full, joyful, and rooted in camaraderie. The Firkins home became the heart of the street. Alan was the "king of the neighborhood," sharing memories with close friends like Dave and Mare Ostrom, and the Turrisi family across the street. Money was often tight in those early years, but the fun was rich-garages became their living rooms, the beer mobile traveled back and forth across the street, and the stories from those days lasted decades.

Alan coached with GYAA, served on the board, and valued community in every form. He also loved traveling-yearly Myrtle Beach trips, unforgettable visits to Disney, a legendary three-hour search for pewter in Colonial Williamsburg, and a pottery store visit that the boys would always remind him was absolutely not their favorite.

He treasured his time in Florida, where life slowed down just enough for him to savor good weather, good reading, good photography, and cocktails by the pool. He loved the sun, the water, and the simple pleasure of lying in the pool. He also loved Claxton fruitcakes-an enthusiasm not everyone shared, but which he carried proudly.

Curious by nature, Alan read constantly. He loved history, loved learning, and often said, "I try to learn at least one new thing per day." Photography became a lifelong hobby-first developing film by hand and later embracing digital cameras and technology with the same enthusiasm he brought to everything he cared about. He enjoyed computers, gadgets, and keeping up with the world around him.

He had his quirks-strong opinions, stubbornness, a lifelong aversion to doctors, and an equally passionate hatred of brussels sprouts, broccoli, green vegetables of all kinds, and eggs. He never slept through the night, loved 50s music (especially Elvis and Frankie Valli), knew only two piano songs but played them proudly, and watched his favorite shows-American Graffiti, All in the Family, and Hopalong Cassidy-with nostalgic joy. And despite not growing up with pets and never wanting one himself, he eventually warmed up to the dogs his children and grandchildren loved.

Through all his passions, habits, adventures, and hard work, one thing mattered most: family. Everything he did-every late night at the store, every sales call after dinner, every calculated risk-was done to provide for them, support them, and ensure they had everything they needed. His grandchildren were the light of his life. Talking with them, having dinner together, being part of all their moments-those were his greatest joys.

For fifty years, he hosted a Memorial Day party that became a beloved family tradition. It was more than a gathering-it was a testament to Alan's belief in community, celebration, and connection.

Alan's life was filled with humor, grit, pride, curiosity, and a love so deep that even when he struggled to express it, it carried tremendous meaning when he did. He was principled, driven, opinionated, loyal, and fiercely committed to the people he loved. His business stands as a remarkable professional legacy, but his true legacy lives in his wife, his sons, and especially in his grandchildren-who will carry his lessons, his sayings, his work ethic, and his spirit forward.

Alan Firkins was a man who built his life from the ground up, who believed in himself even when others doubted, who found joy in learning, working, laughing, and living boldly. He lived fully, loved deeply, and left an imprint that will never fade.

He will never be forgotten.