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Al Perlman Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Al Perlman
mary lou trow
September 4, 2006
I was shocked to hear of Al's death and my sincere condolences to family and friends. Al and I go way back when we both were
in therapy. My last visit with him was a year ago when we attended a mutual friend's funeral. How delighted we were to see each other. He was such a great person to know and I will miss him.
Louanna McClung
July 9, 2006
Our great pleasure meeting Uncle Al was 12 years ago. We were a continent apart but enjoyed everything about him and his love, Rhoda. We are fortunate in knowing some of his family and now reading the entries from his friends it just reinforces that the love we felt for him was universal with everyone that came in contact with him. Miss you, Guy and Louanna McClung
steve perlman
July 7, 2006
When I was a kid I used to look forward to my Uncle Al's annual visits to Madison with more anticipation than I did my birthday. He always brought me the best presents ... elaborate contraptions rife with bells and whistles that took dozens of batteries to operate. When I was eight or so I wrote to my uncle that I had decided that being a spy/ secret agent would be my chosen career. Al wrote back to me in code with the key to the code under seperate cover. Uncles don't get much cooler than that. On one visit Uncle Al showed up at my granparent's house sporting a full head of hair that he hadn't had the previous visit. My father and grandfather had a great time trying on Al's toupee. I guess that Rhoda was the only one who didn't think the toupee looked ridiculous. I remember my uncle sucking on a plastic placebo cigarette one of the many times that he was trying to quit smoking.Later in my life I struggled with alcoholism. After I sobered up I went to work couselling addicts and alcoholics. Al considered us kindered spirits ... his work with smokers, mine with drunks. Through it all we stayed in touch. My uncle was a great letter writer. He embraced technology late in life and the missives kept coming in the form of e-mail. He was the perfect host on several trips that I made to New York ... taking me to Broadway shows and on the world famous "Al Bus Tour" and the 2nd Ave. Deli....
A more fitting tribute to my uncle would have been a really bad pun. One of those groaners that actually cause physical pain. Anything I could come up with in that area would pale in comparison to the one's that Al would toss off without even thinking (he once told me that he thought up ten puns for every one that came out of his mouth. That's just how his mind worked. He was the master.) Because I lack worthiness as a punster, I'll have to settle for sharing these memories. There's a lot more and they're all good. I'll trot out some of the choicer ones for my kids over time.
I'll close by saying that everybody should have an Uncle Al. The world would be a better place.
I'll miss you, ya big galoot, you.
Rachel Perlman
July 5, 2006
When I married into the Perlman family 25 years ago, I had no idea I was getting not only a husband but also an Uncle Al. I'd heard many stories about the wonderful relationship Al had fostered with my husband when he was growing up, and I was delighted to meet Al and Rhoda, first by long telephone calls and later in person. I then got to watch as Al fostered the same loving, wacky relationship with my own three little boys. I loved Al's enthusiasm and passion for life, and I quickly learned to appreciate his rapid-fire puns. I will miss talking to him, and I will think of him every time I play Scrabble or do a crossword puzzle.
Michelle Bisson
July 3, 2006
I met Al after I moved back to NY from out West. His niece and nephew and their kids always took me along on their jaunts with Al. He and I had both worked for antismoking organizations and shared a fascination with words. He was far more interested in my editorial work--and understood it better--than most. Mostly I was impressed by his love of the city--his city, the "Al tour"--and his family, embracing their friends as his family, too.
Jack & Betty Rieur
June 27, 2006
It was a shock and a moment of great sorrow to learn of Al's passing. I met Al in Miami Beach where we were stationed in 1942. We were separated soon after when we were shipped to different parts of the U.S. However, our friendship lasted over 60 years. He will be missed by all of us. To say the least Al was a "pearl" of a man.
Doris Schwartz
June 27, 2006
I met Al aboout a year after his beloved wife, Rhoda, passed away. My wonderful husband, Norman, passed away about the same time. We became fast friends, shared our experiences, collaborated on crossword puzzles, and spoke at least once a day.When Al was well we spent many an evening at the theatre or dinner, or both. I shall miss you, Al, with all my heart.
Love,
Doris
Tina Mosetis
June 26, 2006
I love Al.
His great spirit and enthusiasm will always be in my heart.
Al And I met when we both worked at the American Cancer Society where he was the most incredibly dynamic Chief Moderator of the Stop-Smoking clinics in New York City. The passion and love he gave to his stop-smoking program participants was truly remarkable! His incredible gift to communicate and reach people's hearts helped thousands quit smoking and thereby saved thousands of lives. Although Al was no longer with the Cancer Society, throughout the years he continually received thanks and accolades from so many grateful people who would stop him in the street or contact him at home.
Al was an inspired and joyful colleague that remained my friend all the many years after we both stopped working at the Cancer Society.
His kind words and great humor always made me feel special. He always offered great support both personally and professionally.
I often enjoyed having dinner with Al and his beautiful and beloved wife Rhoda who is also greatly missed.
Al, the joy you gave me will always be in my soul. I love you.
Barbara Probst-Solomon
June 26, 2006
I met Al when I was a kid at George Washington U. and he was a returning vet. We became instant pals, hung out in the Horn and Hardart in Manhattan, and remained close.He will be forever missed.
Liza Millman
June 26, 2006
In fact, I visited with Al only a few times in my life, since he was my cousin Jon's uncle "on the other side," but to me he was also Uncle Al. I'm grateful that I knew him. That I feel that I saw him more often speaks to his wonderful, warm and BIG personality. He was like a light in a room! He was sweet, funny and so clever. I will miss him and that wonderful Perlman twinkle in his eye. I will remember him with such a warm spot in my heart.
Dorothy Gierach
June 26, 2006
For the past several years I have enjoyed receiving emails from Al. His letters were always interesing and enjoyable to read. When I learned of his death, I was sad, knowing our correspondence would end. I shall miss him.
The loving Cat
June 24, 2006
The loving wife
June 24, 2006
On the Boardwalk
June 24, 2006
The Advertising Professional
June 24, 2006
Pre Cancer Days
June 24, 2006
Bogart Pose
June 24, 2006
In the Army now
June 24, 2006
The New Yorker
June 24, 2006
The callow youth
June 24, 2006
Al's new toy train
June 24, 2006
Barry Lerman
June 22, 2006
I had the pleasure of knowing Al as his dentist and friend for the past 18 years. He would brighten up our day when he visited us with his smile, his wit and his unique character. We will miss his New Year's cards, his impossibly unsolvable puzzles and his ability to finish the New York crossword puzzle while in the waiting room(always with a pen)in speedwriting mode. Dr. Lerman, Dr. Stoupel and Staff.
Mimi Filler
June 21, 2006
To Al from your cousin, old friend and playmate in Madison. Thanks for a lot of good memories.Mimi Holland Filler
Vicki & Paul Isenstadt
June 20, 2006
Uncle Al What a wonderful fantastic relationship we had over the last forty years. We loved you very much and will miss all the great conversations and e-mails. You and Aunt Rhoda will always be in our thoughts. With love Vicki & Paul
Vicki and Paul Isenstadt
June 20, 2006
Uncle Al was a part of my life dating back to Washington DC when he came out of the Army. His gift for written prose was unique and his holiday cards were looked forward by everyone who knew him. He was the communicator that kept us laughing and in good spirits. My wife Vicki loved talking to him as he was always a good ear to talk to. We will miss you Al your spirit will always be with us
Jude Mermelstein
June 19, 2006
I was saddened to read of Al's demise and even more saddened to find out Rhoda had predeceased him. I knew them from the Little Theatre of Forest Hills, where I was privileged to work with them in several productions in the late '70s. What "green room" stories they told! Al was a tireless anti-smoking campaigner, with a true mission to save the lives of strangers. Hail & farewell, Al.
Eve Regelous
June 19, 2006
I "met" Al in a chat room on the internet some seven years ago, in the middle of the night, UK time. He was "economical with the truth" about his age, convinced no-one would talk to him. But I did and how those people who wouldnt chat to him, missed out on his wit, his intelligence and kindness and the following years of long emails full of humour, stories and memories. I wish we'd been able to meet, what glorious conversations we'd have had. My mailbox and the world are much sadder places now that he is gone.
Moo Fellows
June 19, 2006
Dear Al helped me give up smoking. We had so many good times together. Best of all he made us laugh so much. Don and Al back and forth. Sam, Georgie and Chrissie and I miss you and love you. Moo
Lorraine Verroche
June 18, 2006
Al,
What a great loss for me. You were a true friend. I loved talking to you and loved your holiday cards. I am so happy that
I recently sent you a card which you loved and you told me that you had showed everyone.
Always in my thoughts.
Lorraine
Don Fellows
June 18, 2006
Dearest Al was a dear friend since West Side High School and the U. of W. at Madison. As I live in London, he was my umbilical chord to the U.S. God, I miss you !!
SARA ARBOUR
June 17, 2006
I first met Al when Rhoda was ailing and he need help from MetLife. I was his contact. After this we became phone and Email friends. I always promised that I would meet him in NYC and have lunch....Sadly I must say, I never made it. My loss.
When my husband began to ail, it Al who helped me. How ironic. Two strangers in the right place at the right time. I will smiss hearing from a dear friend, I just regret that we never met personally. However, we will meet later...All of us. All my love and respect to a great human beintg.
June Swadley Provini
June 17, 2006
We will miss you, Al........
Stephanie Gallagher
June 17, 2006
I came to know Al when he was the hospital roommate of my close friend and business partner; we all struck it off so well; he was full of humor, optimism, kindness. My friend died October 5, 2005, and Al comforted me continually. While in the hospital, I overheard him talking with his many friends, and, especially, his kind nephew, every day. You are a good family and he had great friends. I am proud to be among them. Stephanie Gallagher
Jon Perlman
June 17, 2006
The best Memoriam for Al is to say a pun in his honor.
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