Alan Robert Goerlick

Alan Goerlick passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by family on December 5th, 2025, at the age of 89. He is survived by Laraine, his wonderful wife of 65 years, his son, Jason and partner, Becky, and daughters, Genesee, and partner, James, Justine, and partner, Tom, his grandchildren, Jordan and Sage, his canine friends, Milo and Luna, as well as his sister in-law, Marilyn and his Nephew, Ethan and Niece, Courtney, and their families. Many close friends and family were able to spend precious time with him in the final months of his life.

Alan was a totally unique individual. Those who knew him would say that he was unconventional, creative, heroic, brilliant, inspired and larger than life. He was the most well-read college dropout one could ever meet. Alan grew up in Brooklyn and eventually served in the US Army as a Green Beret and Paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division.

In an art class Alan met his match in Laraine Reitman and married her in 1960. At Laraine's urging, the family embarked on many adventures and created a culturally rich and always exciting family environment for their three children.

Alan succeeded at every endeavor he tried from sales to manufacturing to commissioned art but rebuffed routine. The family could regale friends and loved ones with tales of wild and sometimes harrowing adventures which the bunch later laughed about but would not trade for a more traditional experience. Alan was most proud of building a house on Mountain Rest Road in New Paltz without any prior knowledge on the subject, and of his work creating impactful Holocaust Memorials. Alan graciously put his wife through college and graduate school without ever complaining and became a prolific cook, which he immediately forgot when it was no longer a necessity. He spent countless hours on the golf course and at the dog park and connected with so many interesting people in his lifetime and was beloved by many.

Alan had a special relationship with a bevy of friends and family members. He was a fierce protector, and served as a mentor to many. He had especially close relationships with his granddaughter, Sage, with whom he spent many hours creating artwork and providing a rich cultural education, inspiring her love for musical theater, and his grandson, Jordan, with whom he frequently wintered in Florida and shared many formative experiences teaching him to appreciate the little things in life. He will be missed but never forgotten as his legacy will live-on through the deep impact he has had on so many people and through his artistic creations.

The family will share details for a celebration of life in the near future.