Alan Zafran

Alan Joel Zafran passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at Chandler Hall Hospice in Newtown, PA at the age of 78. Alan, or “Zeke” as he was known to many dear friends, was born in the Strawberry Mansion section of North Philadelphia and after moving there as a youth, spent most of his formative years in the Oxford Circle section of the Northeast. He lived a life which was adventurous, principled, moral, fulfilling and honest.

He is survived by his children Michelle Caimi (husband Jasper), Erik Zafran and Jared Zafran (wife Candice) and his beloved grandchildren, Blake, Brooklyn and Bentley Zafran. He is also survived by his dear brother, Robert Zafran (wife Arlene Zafran) and their family along with several treasured cousins. Alan was also blessed with countless friends over the course of his lifetime. He was predeceased by his beloved parents, Stanley and Ethel Zafran.

He was married to Marlene Zafran for over 30 years, and although their marriage didn’t last forever, his love and respect for her did.

He was an idealist and a dreamer. His chosen profession was that of an elementary school counselor in the School District of Philadelphia. He earned both his Bachelor’s Degree in Teaching and Master’s Degree in Counseling at Temple University. This career brought him great fulfillment and pride.

He also worked at various summer camps over the decades, which fulfilled his soul and desire to work with children and be outdoors.

Alan was a man of many interests who loved being around people, playing and listening to music, playing tennis or basketball, jogging (and later walking), history, art and traveling. He was truly a free spirit with a zeal for living in new places and learning new things, and accordingly found himself living in Europe, Israel and many different places throughout the United States while in his 20s and 30s.

Family and friends remember him as a reliable man who was always willing to help, no matter the situation.

He was always proud of his family, friends, as well as his morals and belief systems. Judaism was woven into his identity from an early age in the Jewish Defense League and continued throughout all the stages of his life.

Alan sought out deeper meaning and relationships in life through experiences and friends, rather than materials or possessions. He always maintained his youthful outlook on life and ability to act accordingly until the end. His fervor for human interaction with people of all ages and walks of life was admirable. He could always be counted on to just be silly and let loose.

He will be remembered for his sharp mind, youthful silliness and desire to always help others.

A funeral service (open to all) will be held graveside at Har Jehuda Cemetery in Upper Darby, PA on October 26, 2025 at 10 am. Friends and family are invited to gather at noon for shiva on Sunday (after the funeral) at Maggio’s restaurant on 400 second Street Pike, Southampton, PA 18966. (Even if unable to make the graveside service, please feel free to attend the shiva luncheon as our father always felt the more, the merrier). On Monday after 1 pm, shiva will be observed at the home of Bob and Arlene Zafran. A public shiva will only be observed on those two days.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Friends of the Magen David Adom, the Jewish National Fund or a Cancer charity of the Donor’s choice.