Lecominster, Mass. –Alvan J. “Al” Tall, age 91, died peacefully at home on July 26, 2017 surrounded by his loving family.
He was diagnosed with Diffuse Lewy Body Dementia five years ago. For 60 years, he was the beloved husband of Sandra (Gibber) Tall, devoted father of David and his wife Sandy of Leominster, Jeffrey and his wife Rebecca of Virginia Beach, and Deborah and her husband Andrew Namiot of Ashland, Mass. Loving brother of Edna Klebanow of Jerusalem, Israel and the late Dorothy Ozer.
Al was born on December 29, 1925 and was the adored son of the late Esther (Lowenberg) and Harry Tall. Cherished grandfather of Shira, Norman, Evan, Caleb, Mitchell and Ilana, Jacob and Bennett. Loving uncle, brother-in-law, cousin, and dear friend to so many.
Al graduated from English High School in 1944 and immediately enlisted and served in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II . He graduated from Northeastern University in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering and received his MBA from Northeastern in 1958. Al had an impeccable sense of integrity, was charismatic, personable, and had a gift for working alongside people. Prior to starting his own company, he was the director of personnel and labor relations for the Foster Grant Company.
In 1966, he founded Alpha Rho, Inc. The company has grown to become the largest plastic box manufacturer in the Northeast.
Although he was the youngest of his siblings, he was extraordinarily protective and caring of his widowed mother and two older sisters. Although his sister Edna had moved to Israel some years ago, there was still a daily phone call. When Edna called, he would say, “My shvester” (sister in Yiddish).
Alpha Rho was an integral part of Al’s life, and although he was successful in business, more important to him were the people he employed. He cared deeply for those who were part of the family business and the well-being of his employees was always a top priority. He created a profit-sharing plan for his employees, offered funds, brought in doughnuts, and was a mentor to so many who came through his office door.
On hot summer days, it was Al who ran to Dairy Queen to bring back Dilly Bars, ice cream novelties, and cold drinks for his employees. His son, David said, “My dad was always giving. He was a true mensch, in every sense of the word.” Al had many accomplishments to be proud of, but there was no doubt, the most cherished aspect of his life was his family. His daughter Deborah recalls, “Mom and dad met on Nantasket Beach and it was love at first sight.”
They married on June 23, 1957 and theirs was a true love story. They were soul mates. They held tightly to one another for 60 years.
Among his greatest gifts was his unconditional love for so many. Over the years, he offered guidance to many and had a passion for Judaism and a love for Israel. He was a member and past president of Congregation Agudat Achim of Leominster, as well as a member of Congregation Beth Israel of Worcester.
He also served on the Brotherhood at Agudat Achim, was on the board of education and a member of the Jewish War Veterans. He was an Eagle Scout and a licensed pilot, a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and earned his instrument flight rating. Al also loved dogs and rescued many strays. Some became family pets. Al suffered a subarachnoid brain hemorrhage in June 2000 and after an extensive stay in Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital and rehab in Boston, he returned home.
The past 17 years were a gift; with many special occasions celebrated and memories shared.
Services were held at the Levine Chapels in Brookline with burial in the Tifereth Israel of Everett Cemetery.
The family asks that each person who loved Al share a random act of kindness. Be like Al: leave a generous tip, rescue a dog, take time to listen, take a friend to lunch, be present. Donations may also be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation, P.O., Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD, 21741 or MSPCA/Angell Animal Medical Center, 350, South Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02130, or a charity of one’s choice.