Al took the time and energy to meet young people where they were and advance and challenge them to be better. At retreats there would be not just great music, but church and music history. I was in Takoma Park Junior High when he asked me to play a clarinet obligatto for a choir anthem. I believe that memories of him during that time have served to shape my life, for I am now a church organist and community college instructor. There has always been one piece that has haunted me since being at Christ Congregational; The Chichester Psalms mvt II. I remember Al rehearsing that beautiful melody, and I never heard it again until this semester when the Master Chorale of Tampa Bay started rehearsals. Every time I would play it by ear I would think back to my musical beginnings and how kind and patient he was. Give rest, O Christ, to your servant with your saints,where sorrow and pain are no more,neither sighing, but life everlasting. Alleluia ~ Thank you Al. Robert Winslow

How do you sum a life into a few words? I can't remember when or where I met Al, but I am sure he would know the day and probably the place. So if it was Secrets in NE, that has gone with him. :-) That was one of many qualities I loved about him, his keen powers of observation and attention to detail. Oh, and as anyone could attest to, his punctuality. That was tops. You would think in your golden years you would be more casual about appointments, but Al was making up for lost time I guess or he respected people's time and expected the same from others. You live that golden rule Al! I can hear him say something like "Don't dilly dally." If you were late to meet him, you had better called ahead or have a really good excuse and don't try "traffic" cause he would be ready for that one and say "well, that's why I left early." I wouldn't recommend standing him up either. He would hunt you down or leave a voice mail that would make you feel like dirt. That's what I've heard anyway. I wonder if that was his point. And movies, he took his movies seriously or was it the actors in the movies that he took seriously... from the neck down? The plot might have been a close second. If there was eye candy exposing flesh of any sorts, Al knew when the opening day was and the times when it started, and already had cross checked some local reviews. Things I learned from Al: don't take things for granite; appreciate the finer things in life; know how fortunate you are to live in these times, even though the economy sucks big time. His stories of when he was coming of age are like night a day compared to today's young people. "You can do so much nowadays" he would say. "It's wonderful!" I learned to get outdoors, but my sunscreen might be a little more potent that Al's. He was a sun worshiper, beach is a +. He was always reading to stay abreast of current events from Who's Who's in Hollywood to Opera World, always cordial, paid attention to details, because the subtlest of detail can make a big difference. He always made time for fun and laughter. All that and he still made room for a super size of wit. What a guy.

To Al, As a friend of forty years, I cannot express the loss I feel. I talked to you a couple weeks ago & never realized that would be the last. I fell a deep void and cannot believe our conversations will be no more. Al has been a most ultimate friend, I must judge them on their comments & actions. Al has never in my forty years of knowing him has never said anything negative about anyone. That is very commemorative. I will miss you my dear friend. Jack Dudley

Al was a great example and mentor to me. Having been a vocational church musician now for over thirty years, I look back thankfully for all the opportunities he gave me at CCC to gain experience and grow: junior high orchestra, senior high orchestra, timpani with organ, even allowing me to fill in conducting for him in the Kennedy Center concert when he was ill.

Thirteen years ago, when I first arrived in DC and didn't know anyone, Al took me under his wing, introduced me to his circle of friends, and generally made me feel welcome in a new area. Al also took me to Mt. Vernon for the first time, and he always knew what to say when I was feeling down and needed a pick-me-up. Al will always have a special place in my heart, and I will always remember him as a generous and kind-hearted man who was quick to listen but slow to judge.

I casually met Al, about 4 years ago, coming out of the ice partlor by the Lingo Market , at Rehoboth Beach. He introduced me to the person that I have shared my life with, since that time. For that, I owe it to Al!!! All I remember is the smile on his face, his love for the beach, good food, movies, and our common friends. Restaurants of the Latin persuasion were one of his favorites, especially " Mi Rancho ". I bet you he enjoyed every day of his life, especially i the company of his friends, his family! We will definitely miss you!! Rest in Peace, Al!!!

Wow, this is quite a shock. Admittedly, I've been out of the community for quite a while, but I just wasn't aware of what was going on. I know how deeply he touched the lives of us in the congregation at CCC. He was a huge influence on my musical tastes and ethic. He let me play tympani! Without his help, I doubt I would have received my Tuba scholarship offer to Towson. I will always remember him with the utmost appreciation and respect. And he was just so NICE! Always with a smile and a kind supportive word.

I feel a little funny listing myself as "friend" -- I work at the nursing home where Al spent his last weeks -- but it was always so easy to talk with him, just discussing the weather, what was on TV, funny things he'd read or heard... It was like speaking with someone I'd known for years. He was always amazingly polite, always reluctant to trouble anyone for any reason, and always quick with a little joke or pun. A lot of staff here who knew him were shocked when we came in on Monday and learned he was gone... We will all miss him, and I'll especially miss the cheerful greetings on sunny afternoons when I'd come in and he would be sitting out front with his book, or just watching the passing scene with a smile...

Al always surrounded himself with friends that cared about him and loved him. He genuinely cared about each of his friends and always wanted to share special moments with them as much as he could. I'll always remember the limo he rented to go to the opening night at the movies, the wild few days on the beach in Puerto Rico, his birthday bash in Maryland, and numerous outings at the Jewish deli. He was always vivacious and charismatic about life and had a wicked sense of humor along with an unsurpassed passion for music. I will miss you, Al. I regret no being able to be there for you in the last few years, but I will carry your memory and passion for life forever.