Alan Bernard Platt

Alan Bernard Platt entered eternal life on September 24, 2025. Al was born to Bernard Platt and Helen (Sczepanski) Platt in Detroit, MI on January 31, 1951. Al attended Michigan State University and graduated with a bachelor's degree in Psychology in 1973. He attended the University of Michigan and earned a Masters of Social Work degree in 1975. Al attended Michigan State University College of Law and received his Juris Doctor in 2004, passing the bar of Michigan in 2005.
Al was a gentle, empathetic, amiable and caring human being. His career over the years involved positions of compassion and service to vulnerable populations. Al was an outpatient therapist at Cadillac Community Mental Health, then a Program Manager at Jackson Hillsdale CMH. He was the Program Manager of Inpatient Mental Health Units at Foote Hospital. Al was the supervisor of Adult Mental Health Services at Clinton, Eaton, Ingham CMH. For many years, Al supervised the internships of MSW students at Michigan State University to facilitate their licensure and was an instructor at MSU teaching a course on Substance Use, Mental Health and Co-occurring Disorders and Intervention Strategies. After retirement, Al served on the CMHA-CEI Board of Directors. Even as Al navigated a cancer diagnosis and the rigor of surgery and treatment, he continued to be a member until his recent resignation.
In his personal life, Al's greatest satisfaction came from helping others and bringing beauty to their lives. As a devout Catholic, Al nurtured his relationship with God. Al was honest, loyal and reliable and had a wide circle of steadfast friends. Al was devoted to his family and cooked homemade meals that he transported to Redford when he visited them. Al was a fan of the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions and the MSU Spartans. Al was always up to try new things and even earned a pilot's license.
Al was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his loving sister, Ruthann Platt and brother Norman (Connie) Platt, nephews Daniel and Michael Platt, grand niece Winter and many cousins and friends. Al leaves behind his beloved committed companion, Mary Chaliman, and her daughters and 5 grandchildren. Al embraced his role as a father and grandfather to Mary's family, participating in holiday gatherings, school events, outings to the zoo, apple orchard, Lamafest, and many other events too numerous to name. His sweet potato casserole and Andrew Jackson cookies were favorites of family and friends.
A special thanks to Dr. Daniel Isaac and his team at Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Greater Lansing and McLaren Hospice. Deep appreciation also goes to Al's dear friend, Joyce Tunnard, who provided support and guidance to Al and his family for many years.
A memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 AM at St. Gerard's Catholic Church in Lansing, Michigan with Father Jon Bokuniewicz presiding. Visitation will be available for an hour before the Mass. Inurnment will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care of Palmer, Bush & Jensen Family Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Al Platt Legacy Fund at CMHA-CEI. Make checks payable to CMHA-CEI and put Al Platt Legacy Fund in the subject. Mail to: CMHA-CEI, 812 E. Jolly Rd., Suite 210, Lansing, MI, 48910. You can also donate at this link: ceicmh.org/donate