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Allan MANDELSTAMM Obituary
He has requested that his body be cremated and that there be no funeral. Those wishing to do so may make contribute to the Blacksburg Rescue Squad, 200 Progress Street, NE, Blacksburg, VA 24060 or to the charity of their choice. Arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg. 540-552-3211.
This obituary was originally published in the Roanoke Times.
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Memories and Condolences
for Allan MANDELSTAMM
Sponsored by Farrokh and Mary Langdana.
Randall Wilson
July 15, 2025
I was at Michigan State when he was teaching. Students, myself included, would watch his telecast even without taking the class. I was bummed when I didn't get him the summer I needed Econ. The prof I got announced, "I'm not Prof. Mandelstamm, and I don't have a sense of humor." He was correct, I only remember him for that, but still remember Dr.Mandelstamm fondly.
John Lina
February 14, 2025
My fondest memory of Professor Mandelstamm was a lecture at Va. Tech in 1981. He asked the packed lecture hall if they wanted to know the secret to getting rich. The entire hall was so quiet that you could hear a pin drop. Then he said, buy low and sell high! Thanks for the great advice. It has served me well over the years!
Lyle Bialk
February 10, 2025
Dr Mandelstamm was my Econ 101, 102, and 103(?) professor at Michigan State around 1973/74. Thoroughly enjoyed his class. This was during the streaking craze. LOL I won't relate the "Handsome Al" story after a student had streaked his class and done jumping jacks. I was privileged be in his live session where he taped the lecture for the rest of the sessions throughout the day. Because of that, nothing got "bleeped" from our session. Let's just say, he had a very effective way to win students over, and his response to the incident was perfect, but he never went "over the line".
I still remember his exams. He used two textbooks in his class, one of which he wrote, so for many questions, he had to preface with "According to Mandelstamm... or According to ????..." Made studying a little difficult, but he sure offered a broad opinion on the topic. I don't recall anyone really complaining about this technique.
He was an excellent Professor, and well liked. Was good to go down memory lane.
Jim Rigby
January 29, 2025
Dr Mandelstamm was my professor for both introductory economics classes in 1969 at Michigan State. I was also part of the crew in Wells Hall that put together his television lectures the following two years working as a camera operator and the person who operated the shotgun microphone that picked up questions asked by his students in the lecture hall. One morning the microphone quit working, and somebody shouted out to say they could not hear the questions. Dr Mandelstamm feigned indignation and asked the class if he should go sit on the microphone operator. There was an uproar of cheers of approval from students, and like a gladiator he strolled over to me and put his ample frame into my lap. Dr Mandelstamm was not just an excellent teacher who made the basics of economics understandable. He brought humor and laughter to students brightening up the day for those who studied the dismal science. I remember and miss him to this day. Thank you Dr Mandelstamm. I use your lessons almost every day.
Stuart Eisendrath
September 11, 2024
Handsome Al was a great man. He had great exams where you had to think and not just recite rote facts. I got A´s in both 101 and 102 and he called me in to encourage me which was very special. He was one of my most important teachers.
Christopher Gonzalez
March 23, 2024
I was a student of the Professor at Michigan State just before he left. He was an OUTSTANDING educator/teacher.
Michael Pelkey (ECON, 1980)
January 17, 2024
Handsome Al was a dedicated, tough but wonderful teacher. Like many others here, I was inspired to major in Economics by his teaching and by the letters he sent to anyone getting an "A" in his class. I owe much of my professional success to his lessons and example.
TIMOTHY REGAN
September 30, 2021
I was in Professor Mandelstamm's economic class as a civil engineering student in 1977. Don't remember any specifics but I always remembered that I enjoyed his classes (I took two: Money and Banking, Macroeconomics, I think). Remember him as a large man who said he had taught in Michigan. All I can say is job well done professor.
Deb Medel
March 15, 2021
Dr. Mandelstamm was the most (only, actually) memorable professor I had at Michigan State in the very early '70s. Bigger than life even on the black and white television screen in Wells Hall. In the mid-70s, I was clerking at the reception desk of one of the (then) few motels in town when he came thru the door with his wife, as he was back in East Lansing from Virginia to receive an award or something. My eyes popped out of my head, as this was the first time I'd seen him in person, and he was as close to a celebrity as MSU had. I exclaimed, "Dr. Mandelstamm! I *had* you!". True to his flamboyant showmanship, he placed both palms on the counter, looked left, then looked right, then straight at me and boomed, " You *had* me? YOU *HAD* ME? I think I would have remembered if you *had* me! "
John Costain
December 22, 2020
One of the best teachers ever!
December 10, 2020
I had to look up this guy. My Dad to this day still brags about his class and how great of a Professor and person he was. So his memory will live on to the next generations. Im sure many of you who had this Professor have told your Children about him also. You all are lucky to have had someone that you still remember to this day and tell your children about.
Stuart Eisendrath
August 28, 2019
Handsome Al was the best economics teacher I ever had. He made you think and not just recite facts or theories. He was the first teacher I had who taught you how to think.
Mark Driscoll
August 27, 2019
I was an econ major in part, because of Dr Mandelstamm. He took a very dry subject and made it entertaining. For the life of me, I could not explain his numerical grading scale (that translated into the lettered scale.) RIP.
Kelvin Franko
June 6, 2019
Dr. Mandelstamm was the best economics teacher I have ever had. I walked 2 miles 3 times a week to see his live lecture, though I was assigned to one of the 20+ tv sections. I usually sat in the hall and watched the lecture thru the open doors as the tv studio was always packed. His humor and self-deprecation had a deep impact on me. i currently teach high school mathematics in Northern New Jersey.
November 15, 2017
It was my privilege to serve as one of 13 graduate teaching assistants under the direction of Professor Mandelstamm during the 1975-76 academic year. He could explain economics like no other. Handsome Al, as he liked to be called, was simply amazing. He will be missed but his memory lives on in the lives of countless students.
Joe Franklin
August 25, 2017
Im sad to hear of Professor Mandelstamms passing even if it was years ago. he was a one of a kind unforgettable professor. I had him my sophomore year in 1985 at Va Tech. his stories of "Michischlect" were legendary as were his epic explanations of macroeconomics. I still think of them today all these years late. RIP Professor. Ut Prosim.
August 1, 2017
A nephew's road trip through the south got me remembering a road trip I took myself during the year there was an "energy world's fair" in Knoxville. Can't remember the year, but people with better memories might. What this has to do with "Handsome Al" or "the Handsome One" as he frequently referred to himself at MSU (where I took his Econ 101 and 102 courses), is that on the way back to DC on the return leg of the trip I stopped at Virginia Tech to try to visit him. I think I caught him in his office, but the memory fades.
I remember the large lecture halls, and the closed circuit replays, which I sometimes attended when I was lazy.
Like many of the others who posted, I must credit the Handsome One for my decision to major in ecoschlectics (not "econoschlectics"). To this day, I remember his stock phrase when he was ready to deliver his lecture after all of the preliminaries, "Let's talk about ecoschlectics."
One of the regrets of my professional life is that I have never had an appropriate, or even inappropriate, opportunity to use that phrase (which I would of course attribute to the Handsome One if I ever did).
So thank you Handsome Al. If not for you, I wouldn't be where I am today, which is a pretty good place -- not schlecht at all.
Greg Allen
July 11, 2017
Handsome Al was the one VT prof that me and my roommates still talk about. His stories are legendary. Every quarter in the late 70s his class would get streaked. He acted horrified, but he, and we, knew that is was part of the legend. RIP with Maruschka (!)....(which is what he called his wife in stories), and stay away from the gefilte fish!
Warren Seth Steiner
February 22, 2017
With fondness I remember Professor Mandelstamm. His unique teaching style was as effective as it was entertaining. I also witnessed his more serious side. At the start of his Intro to Econ 200 class on a fall Friday in '63 he solemnly dismissed us saying that he had just become aware of a radio report about the assassination of JFK. The professor was a mensch.
Steve Varmecky
January 22, 2017
After teaching business & marketing for 30 plus years, I was recently given the chance to teach my first economics class, one of my favorite subjects. I fondly recalled the memories of "Handsome Al" Mandelstamm from my VA Tech days in the '70's. In the classroom, I was able to use one my favorite Professor Mandelstamm lines during a discussion of economic decisions. With hands in the air, I screeched in a high and loud voice, "What to Do!? . . . What to Do!!?" and while I did not do the man justice, it did bring a smile to my face and the attention of 30 young people. So I told the stories of Professor Mandelstamm, one of the finest teachers I ever met, to all of my classes. Currently, his picture hangs in the corner of my chalkboard and should anyone ask about it, I get to tell the stories all over again. Forty years later, Professor Mandelstamm's teaching continues.
I was very sorry to read of Professor Mandelstamm's passing, but I'm sure he made life fascinating for his family and everyone who knew him well. Many thanks for the inspiration to teach well.
Judy Rockwell
January 17, 2017
I see that there are still many even recently who share here about Allan! That is so wonderful to see. Allan had known me since my birth as he was received his PhD in Econ under my father Harold M. Levinson at the U-M. He had such a wonderful humor and wit and always had me laughing. I even remember him calling his classes at MSU 'Econoschletics' but I never knew exactly what he meant by that. Maybe some of you could enlighten me. My youngest son Richard had just texted me a picture of my dad that he just looked up on Google last night by entering his full name. That was a major surprise and started me thinking about Allan. I have a wonderful DVD that Allan made which was played at my dad's funeral in 2010 as Allan and Marie were not able to travel to Ann Arbor at that time. I am prayerful that Allan and Dad are both now sharing more econ stories in the after life as that gives me comfort on their passing from us. I am glad to read all the good memories from all of you. Thanks!Judy (Levinson) Rockwell
James Piereson
January 10, 2017
I took macro and micro economics from Professor Mandelstamm at Michigan State in 1966. He was the best and most memorable professor I had during my college years. He was entertaining to be sure, but very substantive. After 50 years, I still carry with me the lessons I learned in those courses, and I still have vivid memories of "Handsome Al" delivering those wild lectures from the classroom stage in Wells Hall at MSU. I was sorry to hear that he died. He was a world class teacher.
Mark Cryderman
November 23, 2016
Dr. Mandelshtam is the one professor, at MSU, who stands out in my memory. I found this site today, after telling stories about him. Reading the condolences brings back even more memories that I had forgotten. A great man and a great teacher, I always had to be at the live lectures and not the closed circuit tv version. Not sure it was mentioned anywhere else, but his crazy ties were part of his shtick to keep our attention and interest. And yes, I was there when he had us all vacate the lecture hall to leave one sleeping student to wake up alone! I received an "A" in his class and still have/cherish the letter he sent, encouraging me to consider the economics field.
Jim Linza
August 27, 2016
Like many, I was just thinking of Prof Mandelstamm and thought I'd see where he was in the 30 years since I was fortunate enough to have him twice @ VPI. Sorry to hear of his passing, but what a full life he lived and how many people he touched. I was only at Tech for a year in between stints at W&L (where I graduated) and didn't ever have any connection to Econ again, but as a teacher myself these last 23 years I can honestly say that he has had a huge impact on me. He inspired me to teach and to do it the right way--know your stuff and make sure they are entertained. When it comes right down to it, that recipe is the way to do ANYTHING in life and be a success. So thankful to have known you "Handsome Al"!
Lillie Thomas
March 1, 2016
When I returned to the University for my 25th reunion, the members of the Class of 1977 wrote essays about the professor who meant the most to us while we were at the University. For me, it was no question that it was Dr. Mandelstamm. I still remember his stories and have used the examples he gave for economic principles all of my professional career. I did have the opportunity to tell him that, but no other teacher had a bigger role in my professional development than Dr. Mandelshtam. He will always be remembered and cherished. Rest in peace knowing that you made a difference.
Bill Finneran
January 16, 2016
Sorry to hear of Dr. Mandelshtam passing. Like many hear I took Econ 101 from him at Virginia Tech in the late 70s, was telling a story about him this morning about how he called the Washington Redskins, the "Redslechts". He was entertaining and engaging and the main reason I have a minor in economics and had a long career in an economic related field.
He was not afraid to take the current economic events of the time and explain the basic theory to support or critique them.
Bill Finneran...
Stuart Eisendrath
January 7, 2016
Dr. Mandelstamm was the most rigorous and best teacher I ever had. I had the good fortune of having him as a teacher in 1966 at MSU. He forced students to think and not just regurgitate facts. He was always available and encouraging. "Handsome Al" was a great guy.
Sherrie VanHouten
December 29, 2015
I took Econ from "Handsome Al" in the fall of 69 at Michigan State. His lectures were legendary. If the day's presentation had been particularly noteworthy, a large group of friends--none of whom were taking the class--would often join me in finding a TV and watching an evening rebroadcast. I learned an incredible amount from him; I spent an entire term boring my parents with one-sided discussions on economics. I was prouder of my B/near-miss A from him than any other grade I got at MSU. Wherever you are, Dr Mandelstamm, may your surroundings be schlect-less. You will long be fondly remembered.
August 1, 2015
I too remember Al and his famous live sessions in Wells Hall, MSU. With Al, you not only understood economics but could apply the learning. Great professor. RIP, big guy and pray no more "shlectedness" ever crosses your path.
Craig Marks
July 31, 2015
I had no idea that Handsome Al was gone. I'm so sorry. Like many here, I had the privilege of taking Econ 201 and 202 from Al back at MSU in the late 60s. It was hard to get a seat, because the lecture hall would fill up with people not even in the class, but just there for the entertainment. But, woe to those who thought he would be an easy grader. His tests were tough but fair. If you paid attention, took good notes, and worked the problems, you would do well ... and you would really have a solid introduction to micro and macro economics
Bob Browne
July 10, 2015
I was just watching TV and they asked the question "Who was your favorite college professor?" and I immediately thought of Handsome Al. I immediately Googled him and it took me to this page.
Al was the most entertaining and perhaps the best teacher I ever had. The lessons I learned from him at Michigan State stay with me and guide me still today as an old man. Whether he was live or taped, his classes were always fun.
The world is a better place because of Handsome Al.
David Carper
April 28, 2015
Today I was recalling one of many lectures by Dr. Mandelstamm and decided to google him. I am sad to learn of his passing 1.5 years ago. I attended his Principles of Economics classes during '78-'79 in McBryde Auditorium at Va Tech. We came for his stories, and through those stories, he taught us economic lessons that we would remember for a life time. Tech was on the quarter calendar back then. After receiving two B's, I finally earned an A in the spring quarter, and like others who left messages here, in the summer of '79, I received the highly prized letter of congratulations from one of my favorite college professors.
I hope Al is enjoying all the gefilte fish balls in heaven - way past the point of diminishing returns.
dave hulett
April 18, 2015
just stumbled onto this when recounting a story about Alan teaching my class at Michigan State. He was the best. He and my high school geometry teacher were my all time favorites. I use what he taught me every day. He is missed.
Richard Ivans
April 1, 2015
Oh, I'm so sorry to hear of Dr. Mandelstamm's passing. So sorry.
I did well in his class, and was surprised when home between terms my mom said, "You got a letter from MSU Economics." I opened it and it was a signed letter from Dr. Mandelstamm praising me and saying I should consider a career in Economics. So nice of him. I went on to get a teaching degree in Phys Ed and later a Computer Science degree. But I still read and love Economics books, and attribute my love of it to Dr. Mandelstamm. I think of him often. His letter meant a lot to a shy freshman. And my mom too.
May God comfort you are your family Dr. Mandelstamm.
Geri Aufiero
March 8, 2015
1978. It was an honor to be taught economics by Prof Mandelstamm, and get an A no less. He was a brilliant professor. May he rest in peace.
Steven Pitzer. MSU 74
December 16, 2014
As others have noted, Professor Mandelstam's unique and engaging lecture style made a lasting impression on this then-young sophomore at MSU. His personality was so great that he managed to fill the spacious Wells Hall lecture room and drive the lesson home with wit and some Yiddish blended in. Those of us who had him teach is will never forget him or his lessons.
Joseph McConnell
December 1, 2014
What? Al Mandelstamm is no longer with us? Oh, schlect!
I had the honor of setting up and playing the video tapes of Professor Mandelstamm in the Seventies. Evening shift at the campus closed TV studio. Lots of time to watch the class material. He was a brilliant stand-up who also happened to be an economist. Some of his phrases are still in my vocabulary: "No story today, kiddies!" "Friedmaniacs!" The list goes on. He's a loss to Economics, if only because he could take some of the pretension out of it.
Michael Wild
October 13, 2014
I was so fortunate to have Handsome Al as my micro and macro economics professor while at Michigan State (1970). He was unequivocally a character and teacher that can not be forgotten. Rest in peace and forever remember no matter how schlect the world is a fine place
Tom Connell
March 27, 2014
We were just discussing nodding off while doing tax returns, and I thought about my Econ professer back in 1971 who would sneak up on those who nodded off. So I decided to "Google him up" and found this.
I could have watched Professor Mandelstamm's lectures on closed circuit TV without leaving the warmth of my dorm, but we chose to walk the half mile through the Michigan winter, and get there early to be in the front rows. Forty three years ago, and memories of Handsome Al's lectures still lifts me up.
December 19, 2013
I took Dr. mandelstamm economics class at MSU in 1973.
of all the teachers I have had he would be in my top 5 of all time.
I always looked forward to his lectures and his interpretation of the
English language ( schlect ) for example. I still have his letter inviting me to meet with him after acing his class..... but he stated that he could do it that year because he was leaving for another school.... I often wonder if I would have chosen a different path if
I would of had his counsel ...... not that I am unhappy with my
proffession.... RIP Dr. Mandelstamm you will always be one of my
heroes.
DR. MARK
Larry Hill
December 19, 2013
I had Dr. Mandelstamm for economics at Michigan State in 1967. His theatrics and sense of humor made him the only professor I remember to this day. And, I remember most of the economic theory he taught - it has served me well throughout my life. During one of his classes, a student fell asleep. Al stopped talking and put his finger to his lips in a Shhhh!, grabbed two big books, and made his way down the row in front of the kid. He then slammed the books together with an enormous BANG! Never saw anyone sleep in his class after that. Kid needed a change of underwear! I have thought of Al many times over the decades, and am sorry to hear of his passing.
Steven Kirby
October 1, 2013
I had the privilige to have Dr. Mandelstamm as my Principles of Economics instructor back in 1980-81 at Virginia Tech. He was a great professor and an incredible personality who kept his lectures interesting while passing his passion for economics onto his students. I remember hearing from other students a story that he graded so tough that if one received an A for his course, Dr. Mandelstamm would send the student a letter of congratulations, and an invite to meet with him about becoming an Econ major. I graduated from Tech in 1984, and have had a few accomplishments in my life. But one of which I'm proudest -- and which I'll always treasure -- is the letter that I received from Dr. Mandelstamm back in the spring of '81. Rest in peace, "Handsome Al."
leslie mandelstamm Solomon
September 19, 2013
Everyone knew Handsome Al....I even had a patient who, before telling me the reason for her visit (I am an MSW in Maryland)asked me if I was related to Allan..she saw my maiden name on my diploma!
I remember being in Michigan for his wedding to Marie...she was the love of his life. They were very special people.I loved them both.
Lanny Dietz
September 19, 2013
Actually never had one of his classes, although I was the guy up in whit 300 doing the video work. Learned more from that work than I did in my actual classes. Rest in Peace Handsome Al.
September 19, 2013
Handsome Al was the greatest! I will never forget how he taught and entertained us in Economics class in McBryde in 1974.
Terry Hubbard
September 18, 2013
It has been 21 years since I graduated from VT and sadly I've forgotten the majority of my professors, but I will never forget "Handsome Al". His Econ classes were funny, challenging, and the two hardest earned A-minuses I ever made. I would often go to class, then come back and watch his lecture again on cable because it was so entertaining. He was truly one of a kind and a gifted teacher. Rest in peace.
Phil Alderson
September 18, 2013
I have never learned so much while being entertained so well. I will never forget Handsome Al.
Farrokh Langdana
September 17, 2013
He was the quintessential professor and scholar, and a teacher par excellence. He was a 2nd father to me. I will miss him deeply.
Sandra Thornton
September 17, 2013
What an incredible professor! I signed up for his classes at least three times and tried to force add to no avail. So I went with friends to his classes for no credit but to be truly educated! May peace be with you.
Henry Bauer
September 17, 2013
Al and Marie were dear friends over many years. They had also made very significant contributions to our community, Marie as doctor (Radford Health Service, later emergency rooms), and Al as teacher and very active member of the Virginia Tech faculty. He played a major role in getting VT a Phi Beta Kappa chapter during the Marshall Hahn era. He was for many years advisor to a fraternity, so appreciated that just a couple of years ago he was presented with a reminder of that service signed by many of the current and former members. Al chaired a committee on the role of the arts at VT, and the just-completed Center for the Arts might be seen as an ultimate, at last, result of that initative. He was long a member of the Senate Reconciliation Committee and was always a spokesman for intellectual quality.
Al was a truly exceptional, extraordinary teacher. He enjoyed acting the role of "Handsome Al", his chosen self-deprecatory persona - Al was apple- or pear-shaped and waged a largely unsuccessful lifelong battle against obesity.
A number of faculty from across the university sat in on Al's lectures because they were so famously informative. His showmanship might have misled some into underestimating the thought and effort Al put into his teaching. He knew that his style was not to everyone's taste and always insisted that a separate section of the course, taught by someone else, be available for those people. He used humor and stories carefully designed to make the material palatable and understandable, but he also kept to high expectations of the students and his exams and grading were quite tough. With such large classes, he needed graduate assistants, and several have expressed to me over the years great appreciation for what they learned through being Al's apprentices. I also know of many former students who went out of their way to get in touch with Al after years or even decades, because they never forgot the inspiration and education that he had provided them.
Al's retirement left a great chasm in undergraduate teaching of economics that has really never been filled.
Bj Martin
September 17, 2013
I only knew allan for a month but he sure made a big impression on my heart so sorry for your loss and ill be praying for you. RIP al
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