Alan Ostroff

Dr. Alan Ostroff, a retired North Wales, Pennsylvania optometrist, died on Monday, November 11, 2024. On August 9, 1946, he was born to Freda (née Averback) and Julius Ostroff. His bachelor uncles, Bernie and Stanley Averback, were like older brothers to him. They had a wholesale hardware business, at which Alan worked ever since he was 12. The “boys” as they were referred to by the family - lived around the corner and showed up at Freda’s kitchen for their dinner at two different times almost every nite - way after the dishes were done and everything was put away. Sister Freda never complained - feeding her family was her greatest pleasure. 

Alan graduated from Northeast High School Class of 122 and received a Board of Education scholarship to Temple University, where he began studies in the field of pharmacology, hoping to find the cure for cancer. He was never afraid to think BIG. He believed he could do anything to which he set his mind. 

Due to a glitch, he was not given a physics course that he needed and had to go to summer school to take that course. He happened to meet someone there who needed that same course to get into Optometry School. They became fast friends and Alan ended up applying to Pennsylvania College of Optometry instead of Temple’s pharmacy school. Upon graduation, he worked at Temple University’s Health Center, while building his own solo practice. He then was recruited to teach clinical optometry to the students at Pennsylvania College of Optometry. 

He married his high school sweetheart, Jo Ann (Josie Blaufeld) Ostroff 57 years ago. They worked in the practice together for 49 years. It would be hard to find another married couple who spent more time together - and who felt grateful to have the ability to do so. Together they enjoyed their children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events, large extended family dinners, Harry Chapin, camping, Scrabble, Florida, and laughing - finding humor in situations that most people would not. They even collaborated on artwork. Using Josie’s painting collaged with Alan’s poetry, they created a unique piece which was accepted into juried shows. Life was good - until it wasn’t.

 Alan is survived by his beloved wife Josie, loving daughter Romy Prime, loving son Ross Ostroff, loving son-in-law Greg Prime, loving sister Sheila Finberg (Harvey), loving grandsons Austin Jared Prime, Gavin Brooks Ostroff, and Cole Parker Ostroff, loving granddaughters Mackenzie Paige Prime and Alexis Madison Prime, numerous loving nieces, nephews, greatnieces, great-nephews, dear cousins, and many supportive and wonderful friends. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to: The Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support at Saint Joseph’s University 376 N. Latches Ln Merion Station, PA 19066 or to a charity of your choice