Alvin Saltzman

Our beloved dad, Alvin Saltzman, passed away early Saturday morning at his home at the Hearth at Drexel in Bala Cynwyd. We are grateful that he is at peace and reunited with his wife of 44 years, our mom Harriet. He is survived by his son Eric; daughter Alyse (Jonathan Flowers); grandson Eoin; and great-grandaughter Mānoa. He was predeceased by his wife, Harriet (nee Sacks); and his sisters, Anita (Herb Klein) and Gladys (Dave Cohen). He was a lifelong resident of Philadelphia, from his childhood home in Strawberry Mansion to his family life in Northeast Philadelphia, and finally his retirement years in Wynnewood and Bala Cynwyd. Dad lost his father Alexander at a young age and frequently mentioned that along with his beloved mother Bessie, his eldest sister and brother-in-law, Anita and Herb Klein, were his role models. He often cited their work ethic, generosity of spirit, and capacity for joy made a strong impression on him. Dad’s interests and passions lay in history and language, and it follows suit that he would find his career in public education. As a Spanish and social studies teacher, and later as a social worker for the School District of Philadelphia, charged with helping students stay in school, he influenced the lives of countless children. 

Dad received his B.A. in Psychology and his M.A. in Education from Temple University, and was proud to be an alumnus of Central High School. He was in the Latin club and was one of the school’s Latin tutors. He lived by their motto, semper sursum, always aim high. Dad had his first brush with politics serving on the student council as a class officer, which he attributed to his campaign speeches written with a little help from his big sister Anita. As children, my brother and I were always impressed by the litany of jobs Dad held while working his way through college. He sold refreshments at the old Connie Mack stadium, assisted at a factoring company, wrapped holiday presents for Macy’s, and even worked in a prison library. After his discharge from the Army as a clerk typist in the early 1960s, he learned that Philadephia needed teachers and answered the call. Soon after a friend introduced him to Harriet Sacks and he later married the courageous young lady who went on a blind first date to his nephew Mark’s bar mitzvah. 

In addition to his tenure with the Philadelphia school system, Dad’s legacy could also be seen in how he took care of his family. In a generation when caregiving was largely the domain of the mother, he was more than an equal partner and determined to make life easier for his wife. Dad ran our house like a tight ship, shopped for all the groceries, often shuttled the children to activities, supervised homework, and later nursed both his mother-in-law Ann and our mom Harriet through devastating illnesses. 

In his leisure time, he loved completing crossword puzzles in pen, finding errors in the newspaper, clipping news articles for his children and grandson to read, and was an avid armchair contestant for Jeopardy. Dad could always be found with a magazine or book, whether it be National Geographic, Reader’s Digest, or the latest mysteries and biographies. Beneath the stern exterior, Dad was a romantic—he was a sharp dancer who could cut a rug. He also loved watching documentaries on the History Channel or a touching story with a happy ending on Hallmark. 

Dad was a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Growing up during the Great Depression and World War II forged his mission to provide opportunities for his children. He loved music and remembered conducting to the radio with a pencil as his baton. One of many examples of his devotion was to ensure both his children had music lessons and any other dreams he could help us reach. He and mom belonged to Temple Beth Torah, where he was a member of the Men’s Club and his children became b'nai mitzvot. Dad made another lifelong dream come true when he sent both his children to Israel for confirmation trips. After retirement from the school district, he became an avid volunteer at two senior community centers on the Main Line. Everyone knew Dad was a man of action and not one to sit still. He rarely asked for help because he wanted to be the one to provide it. The Center for Positive Aging in Lower Merion encouraged Dad to relax, play cards, and enjoy lunch. Instead, he insisted on setting up the dining room and serving his neighbors daily for 15 years. Eventually, alongside their staff, he was awarded Volunteer of the Year and his picture appeared in the local news. Also, at the Hearth at Drexel Assisted Living community, he even retained this spirit. Dad mischievously whispered to us once that when the recreation director was absent, he liked to run the exercise class. Dad was passionate about many social justice issues and was generous with his family and service in the community. He epitomized resilience and generosity. He will be missed by the many lives he touched! The funeral service will be Friday, Dec. 6 at 12:00 noon at Goldsteins’ Rosenberg’s Funeral Directors, 516 Fayette St., Conshohocken. Services are followed by interment at Mt. Sharon Cemetery, 502 E Springfield Road, Springfield. All are welcome to join family and friends for a Shabbat meal to honor his memory at Aldar’s Bistro, 281 Montgomery Ave, Bala Cynwyd. Shiva will resume after Shabbat on Sat. from 5-8 p.m. at the Flowers’ residence. Donations can be made to the Temple Heart and Vascular Institute and the Center for Positive Aging in Lower Merion. Donations in his honor can be made to the Temple Heart and Vascular Institute. www.templehealth.org/services/heart-vascular/about/giving-to-heart-vascular-institute   The Center for Positive Aging in Lower Merion (PALM), https://palmseniors.org/