Alvin Goldfarb, successful entrepreneur
Alvin Goldfarb was born in Passaic, N.J., Sept. 12, 1928.
He married the love of his life, Dorothy Alice (Ridush) Goldfarb, Nov. 18, 1951. Sadly, Dottie passed away Dec. 13, 2016. They had four children, son David (Patricia), children Erika Castro (Dan) and great-granddaughter Madeleine and Lauren, Dani Dieterle, Ellie Mertz and Irene Mertz and great-grandchildren Fred and Ava Jade; daughter Susan White and granddaughter Kelsey; son Brian (Luann) and grandchildren Emma and Sam; and daughter Lori Thomas and grandson Ryan (Taylor) and great-grandchildren Averie and Brysen and grandson Chad (Alexis) and great-grandson Holden.
He was a man of many names; most called him Al, but he was also known as Dad, Bepa, Papa, Grandpa, Uncle Al, Dr. Gold, Big Al and so many more. He was a loving father, friend and mentor to many people throughout his 92 years. Regretfully, he passed away Friday, Dec. 4, 2020.
Al attended Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science soon after his marriage to Dorothy, and resided in Germantown Philadelphia. After graduation, Al received his commission to the U.S. Navy and attended Supply Corp School in Bayonne, N.J.
Al and Dottie had their first son, David, in 1953 and soon after, the three headed together to Los Angeles so Al could report to Long Beach, Calif., to meet his ship the tanker USS Asthabula. Deployment included Sasebo, Japan and Korea.
Upon return from Korea they moved back to New Jersey and set up house in Rochelle Park, then Saddle Brook, and finally Franklin Lakes where they resided until 1982. Al worked in product research and development for United Merchants and Manufacturers until he decided to take a chance and start his own business that he named Deltex. While owner and president of Deltex, he also partnered in the personal small package delivery business, a cheesesteak restaurant in New Brunswick and many other ventures that an entrepreneur of his caliber would venture. He and Dorothy travelled the world, visiting over 80 countries.
While in Franklin Lakes, the family joined the new First Presbyterian Church where Al tried to carry a tune while Dottie compensated for his flat notes and sang in the choir. While in the church, they made many lifelong friends who remain close to this day.
In 1984, Dottie and Al and their puppy Duffy pulled up roots and headed to Rehoboth Beach to their final home together. Dad thought he could work from home and travel as needed. It provided them with a beautiful waterfront property where they continued to host so many family and friends over the years with Dottie’s’ flair for great meals and Al’s wonderful stories and sense of humor. Over the years, the best of times were spent with their neighbors and friends, Barbara and Bill Timmons, traveling, eating and playing cards.
In 2016 his wife of 65 years passed away following a difficult battle with cancer. Al moved to Brandywine Assisted Living where true to his indomitable personality, he became the unofficial mayor. While at Brandywine he made many new friends, except for the cooks, he always had a comment for them. The man lived for food.
In recent years Dad enjoyed visits from his extended family. Even in times of COVID, he loved the indirect visits with his family and great-grandchildren.
Dad will always be remembered for his wit. To his final days he was as sharp as ever. He remembered every detail of his 92 years and happily regaled us all with his stories whether all true or not; we loved them all and will keep those memories in our hearts forever.
We look forward to celebrating this great man’s fulfilled life in June with family, good friends and great food.
Online condolences can be made at www.melsonfuneralservices.com.
