JEROME ALPERN

1928 - 2022

ALPERN--Jerome, of Englewood, NJ, passed away from Covid-19 at age 93 on July 22, 2022. Born on December 25, 1928 to amused parents, Harry and Sophie Alpern, he was predeceased by his beloved older brother, Daniel. Widely known by his fans as Papa/Uncle Jerry/King of Caneel, he demonstrated for all who loved him the joy of making people laugh and the value of nurturing lifelong friendships that become family. He was a fiercely devoted husband for 71 years to Enid Levine Alpern; and always said his greatest pride are his children, Dana Marjorie Alpern (John Pollick), Susan Alpern Fisch (Ricky Fisch); three extraordinary granddaughters, Emily, Sarah, and Abigail; and his great-grandpuppy, Bandit. An avid tennis player and huge fan of the New York Yankees, Giants, sour balls, vanilla bean ice cream, and very few vegetables, Jerry cherished summer afternoons on his porch in Montauk and the memories of 40 years celebrating his birthday at Caneel Bay. Jerry was a proud graduate of the first class of Cornell University's School of Industrial and Labor Relations in 1949 and is the namesake for its Distinguished Alumni Award. He earned his MBA from Cornell in 1950, was a lifetime member of the Cornell Council, and was a 2001 recipient of the Frank H.T. Rhodes Exemplary Alumni Service Award. The mantra he instilled in his family was "try to make at least one person laugh every day, even if it's just yourself." He is remembered for his gentle spirit and unwavering commitment and generosity to the causes he cared about. His family welcomes donations in his memory to Cornell University's ILR Fund: https://givingday.cornell.edu/organizations/ilr-school or to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research https://www.michaeljfox.org/donate. A joyful memorial service will be planned in the Fall. We carry Jerry in our hearts, always, and will do our best to laugh each and every day.