Albert Gelb Obituary

Name: Funeral service for Albert Gelb
Start: 2013-12-24T15:00:00.000Z
Location: Temple Beth-El

Albert Jerome Gelb

ATLANTA, GA - Albert Jerome Gelb, 91, died Saturday, December 21, 2013, in Atlanta, GA. He was the son of Florence (Stamler) Gelb Cramer Kupersmith and Morris Gelb.

Al was born in Hartford, Conn., in 1922. Part of the Greatest Generation, Al enlisted in the Coast Guard after Pearl Harbor and shipped out to the South Pacific on the USS Escatawpa; he served until December 1945. After a romance that spanned World War II, he was married to Adeline Levy in 1946. In 1952 they moved to Poughkeepsie, living first in Corlies Manor and then, for over 50 years, on Miller Road. Al and Addy owned and operated Servisoft of Hudson Valley. Al was a member of the boards of Temple Beth-El and the Jewish Community Center and a past president of the Harding Club. Golf was his passion, and he thought McCann was built down the street for him. The Gelbs moved to Atlanta in 2009, though they left their hearts in Poughkeepsie. His beloved "Sweet Adeline" predeceased him in 2011 after almost 65 years of marriage.

Al is survived by his older brother, Walter (Sara) Gelb of Santa Barbara, CA; his youngest brother, Dr. Elliot Cramer of Chapel Hill, NC; daughters Cheryl (David) Eppsteiner of Marietta, GA; Debbie (Ari) Katz of Cupertino, CA; and Nanci Gelb (Dr. Stuart Snyder) of Derwood, MD; five grandchildren, Michael Katz of Phoenix; Danielle Katz, Esq., of Washington, DC; Harris Eppsteiner of Boston; Rosalind Eppsteiner of College Park, MD; and Emily Balbier of Derwood, MD; also, grandchildren Matthew Balbier and Elise Cole of Maryland and their families; several beloved nieces, nephews and cousins; and a number of close friends in Poughkeepsie, Florida and Hartford. He was predeceased by his siblings Zelda Ungar, Sylvia Zehala, Israel Cramer and Edward Cramer. Funeral services will be held TODAY. Tuesday, December 24 at 10 a.m. at Temple Beth-El, 118 S. Grand Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY 12603, where the Gelbs were long-time members. Burial will follow in Temple Beth-El Cemetery. Sign online guest book at www.edressler.com.

The family will sit shivah at Cheryl's home. In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate donations to Temple Beth-El or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Arrangements by Dressler's Jewish Funeral Care, Atlanta, GA (770) 451-4999

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Poughkeepsie Journal on Dec. 24, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Albert Gelb

7 Entries

Barry L. Stern

December 28, 2013

Although I had not seen "Uncle Al," as he encouraged us to call him as kids, for about 12 years, i last saw him on the golf course in Poughkeepsie just after i had taken up the game and had just moved back to the New York area. Al was one of my favorite people growing up, a relatable, fun, loving person who always conveyed how happy he was to see you, and the various ways in which he felt you to be a special person to him. I truly felt that in his presence, and have many wonderful memories of his company, of his taking me and my brother in, to an Arlington football game (to watch Scott), to a Yankee game with the Harding club, or just running into him at Beth-El on the High Holidays. I have thought of him often over the years, and feel blessed having been given his model of what it means to be a loving, fun elder. His memory will be a blessing to many, - Barry L. Stern

December 24, 2013

Your dad and my late husband, David Furash were "best buds." May your memories bring you joy and healing.
Sylvia Karkus Furash, Yarmouth Port, MA

Marge & Bill Speedling

December 24, 2013

Cheryl, Debbie and Nanci, so sorry to hear of Als' passing. Both of your parents were among the best neighbors we've ever had. I'm sure he'll be missed.........

December 24, 2013

Al was a wonderful person, full of life and love. My parents, Norman and Helen Tinkelman loved him and I remember my parents telling me he was the fourth Tinkelman brother. I will visit him when I visit my parents, perhaps telling him a joke like he always did. Vera Tinkelman Goodman, Phoeniz, AZ

December 24, 2013

Pally was like a dad to us Kritzer girls and Gleckel boys. I know that his passing is sorrowful but he's now with the gang. Sherri

December 24, 2013

My sincere condolences on the passing of your dad

December 23, 2013

Dear Cheryl, Debbie, Nanci: I loved your Dad since I was a kid. He always referred to himself as my cousin Al. He always spoke to me as if he had just seen me last week even if years had gone by. I know of no soul who enjoyed life and those around him more than Al. He must have been a great Dad. He was so proud of you all. In sympathy, Joe Tinkelman

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