ForeverMissed
Large image

Our beloved father and husband, Allan, wanted nothing more in life than to help others. Affectionately known as 'Big Al', he was infinitely generous with both his time and love for all who he knew. His reward was an abundance of lifelong friends and loving family, which fulfilled him more than any riches could. His proudest achievement was the South Mountain Kids of Phoenix, an organization that he founded with his dear friend Joe Caldwell, which allows hundreds of underprivileged children the opportunity to attend professional sporting events as special guests of the teams.

He will be missed dearly by his loving wife Sandy, his adoring children and his grandson, Julius, who was the light of his life. We welcome each and every one of you to share your thoughts, memories, photographs, and laughs on this dedication page for Big Al.

In his memory we are asking that all gifts and charitable donations go to the Boys & Girls Club, so his dedication to the betterment of children everywhere can continue through all of us.
 
Boys & Girls Club of the East Valley 

June 8, 2015
June 8, 2015
Aunt Sandy, Michael, Susan, and Karen: I am sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers. I think the one memory I have that exhibits Uncle Allan's generosity, love of baseball, and sense of humor perfectly is when he took Michael and I to a Yankee's game when we were in Jr. High. He had to buy me a White Sox Jersey before the game (because what true 12 year old baseball fan doesn't have a jersey) and when the big screen showed Gary Carter (a Met at the time) getting hurt in a play at the plate, he was leading the cheer.
June 8, 2015
June 8, 2015
Aunt Sandy, Michael, Susan and Karen,
We have all been thinking about you and praying for you during these past months and days. Uncle Allan's warmth, humor, and kindness will be missed.
Every time my parents would get back from Arizona, Dad would talk about how much he enjoyed spending time with Uncle Allan.
My memories have always been of him telling great stories and really listening. Whenever we talked I felt like he was genuinely interested in everything going on with me. I loved to talk sports with him (there were times where I almost rooted for the Yankees because of him).
We all share in your loss.
June 8, 2015
June 8, 2015
Allan had a wonderful gift in that he had a remarkable sense of humor. I'll never forget the times that he would appear in my chambers (both in Newburgh City Court and Orange County Court), no matter how serious the matter, his sense of humor would brighten the room. I've really missed seeing him these last few years and I am so sorry to hear about his passing. Lastly, I once gave Allan a ride (over Storm King Mountain) in one of my Corvettes, an experience that he always laughingly referred to as a "near death event"! Allan, you will be missed by all of your colleagues.
June 7, 2015
June 7, 2015
I've known Alan for more than 30 years as a fellow attorney in Orange County from the early days in justice court several nights a week to trials in Supreme Court. No one ever had a bad word for him. He was always a gentleman with a smile for everyone he met. He will be sorely missed by his colleagues in the profession.
I recall sitting with my son with the NFL draft on the TV. When I looked up, I shouted "I know him". It was Alan standing at the Giants table. I later told him I saw him and we had a good laugh about it. Alan all the way.
June 7, 2015
June 7, 2015
Dear Sandy, Michael, Karen & Susan,

It doesn't surprise me at all to read all the wonderful memories people have of Allan. "To know him is to love him" truly applies. Once you met him, you became part of his world and he would do anything in his power for you. Family always came first to Allan and he was sure to call on birthdays, anniversaries, etc to say hello and pass on good wishes. I could listen to Allan's stories for hours and relive childhood experiences with him. We were natural rivals when it came to sports, but we had such a good time remembering "the good old days".
I remember great times we had together in Mohegan. He and &Uncle Abe were wonderful hosts - always making sure everyone was well fed. No one ever left hungry after a day at Mohegan.
When Deb had a problem, Allan went above and beyond to help her and when things worked out we shared a good laugh about the fact that he could not lose a case to a Dixie lawyer named "Bubba". He said that his law license would be revoked if he didn't do a good job.
Allan got quite a kick out of three cousins retiring to Arizona. As a kid growing up in Brooklyn and Queens, he said he would never have imagined one day living out West along with his brother and cousin. He was starting to talk about trying to convince Alan Z to join the rest of us.
We will miss him tremendously. Our Passover seders will not be the same without him. 
Allan was always sure to make everyone feel good and important.
Roberta and I hope that you all can take comfort in knowing how highly people regarded Allan.

All our love.

Roberta & Marty
June 7, 2015
June 7, 2015
Once upon a time before cell phones, I used to call Karen just about everyday and Mr. Kuslansky would answer in his most amicable way, call out to Karen that I was on the phone, and ask about my family and me. We were rarely able to finish a conversation because Karen would pick up the phone and end them for us. One time when I called, I said Mr. Kuslansky if you don't tell Kar I'm on the phone right away then we can talk a bit (sorry Kar). I wanted to tell him how I was sorry my dad kept calling him Albert at the club, and explain that he often calls people by the wrong name and since he knew your name was Al he assumed it was short for Albert. True to your nature you said that it was fine, and you didn't mind at all, you just enjoyed talking to him.

Mr. Kuslansky was always exuberant, gracious and humble. This exuberance emanated the most I have ever seen on the day Julius was born. I'm so happy that Mr. Kuslansky had the gift of experiencing such a beautiful and loving grandson, and that Julius was fortunate to have such an amazing grandfather.

I will miss your joyous spirit, your kind and humble heart, and your stories. I am so thankful that I was blessed to know you for most of my entire life.

Mrs. Kuslansky, Karen, Michael and Sue, I hope you find comfort in your husband and dad's omnipresent spirit, and the deep love and respect that everyone shares for him. I love you all so much!
June 7, 2015
June 7, 2015
Dear Sandy and Family. we are so sorry to hear of Allan's passing. He was such a nice person, never a bad word about anyone and he always had a big smile. I am so glad he got a chance to experience being a grandfather, his face just lit up talking about it. we will miss you on Warren Court Allan. Love the Kirwans
June 7, 2015
June 7, 2015
To Allan's beautiful family: It was a great honor to care for such a wonderful man. Our long talks brought many smiles and much laughter. My life has been made richer for having known Allan. 
Namaste'
June 6, 2015
June 6, 2015
Dear Karen, Sue, Mike and Sandy,

We are so sad to hear of Alan's passing. We have such fond memories of him and are glad to read all the great memories posted here. Sending hugs.

Antonia and Rich Martinelli
June 6, 2015
June 6, 2015
Dear Sandy, Mike, Sue and Karen,

It is hard for me to write this note. The world is a little darker now without Alan but our heatrs light up again when we think of him and we smile through our tears. All our love and freindship to you.
June 6, 2015
June 6, 2015
I can't convey how sad we are to hear of your dad's passing.

When my own dad was alive, one of his favorite things to do was go to Sportsplex. When he went to Sportsplex, his favorite person to see was your dad. He was so kind. He offered such wise council. He was really so generous to us all. He was the heart and soul of Cornwall-on-Hudson when we were all growing up.

I'll always remember seeing him from the bus on my way to school. It was weirdly reassuring, seeing him there reading his newspaper. When I thought about going to law school (my dad conveyed this to him at Sportsplex, of course), he invited me to come and spend the day with him out at work out in Goshen. It was really fun even though I never actually ended up a lawyer.

When I got charged with shoplifting (yes, that happened once), he got the charge dismissed almost immediately. He refused my money when I offered it. At that point, I had not seen him for a couple of years. It was one of a million "random acts of kindness" that he seems to have extended to everyone around him during the course of his life.

He's perhaps the kindest people I've ever met in my life. No exaggeration. I'm also just so, so grateful that he was such a great friend to my dad. He really made my father laugh, and he helped him through a lot.

I think I speak for my entire family when I say that we all feel so fortunate to have known him. We are also just so terribly sorry for your loss.
June 6, 2015
June 6, 2015
To Sandy and Family,

We are so sorry to hear the passing of Al. We will miss his warm smiles and friendly hello's. May all the wonderful memories bring you peace and comfort.
June 5, 2015
June 5, 2015
So sorry to hear of the passing of Allan. I knew him from our many conversations about Earl Weaver and the Baltimore Orioles. I never found out if he was an Oriole fan or not. Our times in SKFE will be greatly missed. My sincere sympathy to his family. RIP Allan
June 5, 2015
June 5, 2015
so sorry to learn of Allan's passing. We started out at about the same time as lawyers in Orange county. We shared many memories and always laughed at ourselves, judges and other lawyers. He was one of the good guys and will be missed
June 5, 2015
June 5, 2015
We were new in town over 35 yrs. ago and Allan barely knew me then when I became a recipient of Allan's well-known benevolence, for he unexpectedly came to our house very late in the day just to help me with a minor problem. This is how good, helpful and considerate Allan had been to many of us. My family is honored to be one of his friends. He will be missed. We offer our prayers for Allan's eternal rest and to his family our sympathy, love and affection.
From Dr. Paul and Indie Latonero, Tina, Mark and Jeff.
June 5, 2015
June 5, 2015
My heartfelt condolences to Mrs K, Mike, Sue and Karen and the rest of the Kuslanksy family. Mr K was always smiling - he was a kind and generous man. May the wonderful memories you all have with him, help you through this difficult time.
June 4, 2015
June 4, 2015
Dad Yorks really loved Allan, but then again, didn’t almost everyone? How do I know? One summer when Dad and Mom were here in Chicago with Sandy and Allan, early in their marriage, Allan wanted to attend a White Sox game. Was it hot? Oh, yes! And did Dad Yorks hate heat? Oh, yes. And did he willing go with us to the old Comisky Park? Oh yes, you bet.

I grew up hating the Yankees and loving da Bums, much to Allan’s dismay. But I willingly sat in those seats from Yankee Stadium as we overlooked the Hudson River from the porch in Cornwall. Why? I was talking with Allan, enjoying his company and listening to his stories. Didn’t everyone?

How rich and entertaining were the stories. I think his friends and his family will be able to fill in hours retelling some of his experiences. But as we retell his stories we will also remember a man who liked many, many people but absolutely loved his family. In turn, this love was reflected back to him.

Some months as I stood next to him in Arizona, with me wearing my Dodger hat and he modeling his Yankee jacket for the camera, he paraphrased what Lou Gehrig said, “Every morning I wake up and say, ‘I am the luckiest man in the world.’” And now, during this bittersweet time of remembrance, we also say, “We were the luckiest people for having known Allan Kuslansky!”

So, let us resolve to remember Allan by telling his stories, by seeking to make people’s lives better by cheerful compassion, and by facing difficult times with the resolve he showed throughout the years.
June 4, 2015
June 4, 2015
To Sandy and family,

So sad to hear of Al's passing. He was always so warm and friendly and always had a quick hello and wave to all of us on Warren Court. He will be missed.  I hope all of you treasure your wonderful memories of him.
June 4, 2015
June 4, 2015
Sandy and the Kuslansky family we are sending our deepest sympathies in the loss of our neighbor Al. He was larger than life and always had a smile. Matt and Emily always loved catching up with him when we were in Phoenix. We are blessed to have known him these 7 years! Love and God Bless you during this most difficult time. Cheryl, Joe, Matt & Emily
June 4, 2015
June 4, 2015
Mike, our sympathy to you and your family. The tributes indicate that your father was an outstanding man. You must be so proud.          -Your friends at Unifund.
June 4, 2015
June 4, 2015
Allan's enthusiasm about sports was infectious. Every time I spoke to him, we'd talk about upcoming games for the Pirates or the Steelers. Even though he wasn't a Pittsburgh fan, he knew all the team stats and history and could talk with me about them for hours. When the Steelers won Super Bowl 43, he was thrilled for me. A couple weeks after, totally unexpectedly, I received a commemorative book, video and football from him. That was Allan...always thinking about doing something nice for someone else. I miss him and our sports talks already...and can't imagine the upcoming Steelers season without our chats.
June 3, 2015
June 3, 2015
The laugher is more than contagious...it's infectious! And Allan's smile blinds everyone into tears. I cannot think of one memory, not one where Allan's great big smile and laugh didn't fill the room. Allan, you were always available for consultation, for peace talks, for stories, for tours around NYC. You knew where the best places were to eat Chinese food and exactly where to park (and not get towed) on every city street. You were generous with your time, kind with your words, and you really were an uncle to me. As a child when my parents told me Uncle Allan was coming over I would get so happy. I knew it was going to be a night for great food, wonderful stories of childhood mischief, lessons on life, and laughter. Lot's of laughter. Allan, we will miss you greatly and I know you just brightened up heaven a couple notches. A great man. A great loss.
June 3, 2015
June 3, 2015
My deepest sympathy to Mike and the family....Dad was a wonderful man full of love...he will be missed.
June 3, 2015
June 3, 2015
Dear Kuslansky Family,

So sorry to hear about Al's passing. Sad news. We will miss him here on Warren Court. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers. We will remember Al in our fond memories over the years.

Love, the Butlers
June 3, 2015
June 3, 2015
To the kuslansky family, I can not remember one childhood family story of my fathers, Danny Prezant, without his mentioning Allan. I always thought of him as family. Even though I knew he was one of my Fathers Best Friends. You were always a part of our lives. Please rest in peace, say hi to my parents. I am so sorry for the families loss. May you all only be blessed with wonderful memories. Love, Melissa Prezant Fuchs
June 3, 2015
June 3, 2015
We will always remember Al's wave, smile and friendly voice. He was a bright light on Warren Court! He always had a friendly greeting for everyone he knew. He will be missed. Prayers for the family. 
                            Silver Family
June 3, 2015
June 3, 2015
My deepest sympathies to Mike and family; Mr. K always had a smile and good word and I know how much he was loved and how very much he will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
June 3, 2015
June 3, 2015
Allan, you're wonderful memories will keep you with us.
Love, cousin Tiby
June 3, 2015
June 3, 2015
As Grandma Dora always called you "Allan Jay", I always thought you would be here, I guess we never think, or want to think of a final goodbye..Allan you meant so much to us, you were a cousin, a friend and a mentor to our Dean and Mike...an advocate, a wonderful nephew to Grandma Dora and a great cousin to my Alan...you were such a positive person, there is a void that will be very hard to fill without you...we love you and you are forever in our hearts..."you will always be our inspiration"...
June 2, 2015
June 2, 2015
You were the light of my life Dad, may you continue to shine your radiant light on all of us.
June 2, 2015
June 2, 2015
Alan,
You will be greatly missed by everyone who loved you. That applies to everyone who ever met you. From the time I was 5, I knew that I would be hanging out with you when I visited Bernie, Eli and Laurie, either in Queens or Mohegan. I thought that you were my cousin as well, and I loved it because you were so much fun.
My condolences to all.
June 2, 2015
June 2, 2015
I'll always know Mr. K in two ways, one as the loving, generous and cheerful father of my best friend in the world. But also as my mother's champion during a very difficult time, and right before she passed away. He was a very good man and I'll be forever grateful for the help he gave her. Sending all my love and positive energy to the Kuslanskys. You're in my constant thoughts xxoo
June 2, 2015
June 2, 2015
I love you all very much. My deepest condolence for your loss.
I loved your Dad/husband like he was my own father. That's how he made me feel. His kind, warn, loving smile & nature was infectious.
You are all in my thoughts & prayers. 
Forever Loved. Forever Missed Mr. Kuslansky
June 2, 2015
June 2, 2015
Mr. K you were a true original…a smile that would light up the darkest room. Always enjoyed the times we got to talk baseball whether it was on Main St. in Cornwall or at a spring training game in AZ. The entire Kuslansky family is in our thoughts and prayers. Raising 2 glasses in your memory Mr. K.
June 2, 2015
June 2, 2015
Dear Mike and Family, I am so deeply sorry for you loss. Please know my thoughts are with you all. My deepest condolences to you during this time.
June 2, 2015
June 2, 2015
Mr. K. What a guy...always had a huge smile on his face and a big hello for me. His enthusiasm was contagious. Those pictures show it, a life well lived. Deepest condolences to Mrs. K, Mike, Sue, Karen, and the entire Kuslansky family.
June 2, 2015
June 2, 2015
"Oh dear Dad, can you see me now, I am myself like you somehow" - E.V.

Dad, I'll ride the wave, where it takes me... I will always love and remember you as I ride it through life, until my wave crashes, goodbye...
June 2, 2015
June 2, 2015
So sorry for your loss. Viewing the pictures on the site, it is obvious his life was rich with great family, love and compassion.
Joe and Laura Hanshe
June 2, 2015
June 2, 2015
My beloved cousin and partner in crime -- but only for good -- Allan. You will always be a source of love, laughter and compassion. You greeted everyone with the enthusiasm of a sweet child and always looked to understand and forgive. What a blessing you have been to me and so many lucky others. I will miss you forever, but honor you in every way I can.
Page 1 of 2

Leave a Tribute

Light a Candle
Lay a Flower
Leave a Note
 
Recent Tributes
April 16, 2023
April 16, 2023
You'd think it would get easier as time goes by, but it never does. NOT a day goes by that I don't miss my buddy, my cousin, my big brother, my partner in legal endeavors and discussions, my brunch pal, my Zabar's rep, my sports go-to, my Allie Boy. I hope you are totally at peace and giving everyone a run for their money. Love you always, Allan.
April 15, 2023
April 15, 2023
Happy Birthday Dad! We wish you were here to meet our little girl Ginger and to see how big Julius has gotten. We love you.
April 14, 2023
April 14, 2023
Steve and I were just talking about Allan. About how he'd be amazed by Steve's newfound sports knowledge and about how much the two of them would have been able to share together sports-wise with Steve's newfound love of hockey and baseball. We miss him a lot and think of and talk about him all the time.
Recent stories

Did you hear, Willie?!

May 31, 2016

In our family, credentials (as in doctor, lawyer, Indian chief) were (too) important. Life began ... after medical school.  Showing up at family events in the 1950s forward was like being on American Idol, surrounded by Simon Cowells dressed as uncles, aunts, cousins, extended family and friends, who peppered you with the Jewish cross examination: What are you studying (already)? Where will you go to school (already, why not Harvard)?  When will you graduate (already)? What will you be (already)?  When will you marry (rich, already)?  

A lot of pressure combined with love and salty, fatty foods.  As the youngest cousin, coming up was a tall ladder to climb, not to mention painful challenges in my immediate family that made it even harder. Despite the odds, I persevered and completed my Ph.D. at Columbia University (aka, I finally arrived).  I never knew how other people reacted until one day, many years later, Allan told me something sweet and powerful:  1) I was a hero because it was a miracle that I did it under the circumstances that I did, and 2) that his dad, darling Uncle Abie, harrassed dear lifelong family friend and neighbor, Willie Prezant, about it.  He harangued him and cornered him at the pool, saying, "Willie!  You know what?!  You know my niece, Laurie?  She got her doctorate! You hear?!  Listen, Willie!  Laurie, she's a doctor!!!!"  So sweet.  Thanks, Al.  Thanks Uncle Abe. 

The fight

July 26, 2015

One summer's day in the 1960s, our neighbor's daughter, Pauline Alpert, a typical brainy, liberal child of the '60s, engaged in a long political debate with my father, Harry.  The two sat outside on lawn chairs under the sun for what seemed an endless amount of time, when Pauline saw Allan approach.  

Exhausted, she got up and asked Allan to please take over the debate.  "Sure," Allan said, and sat down next to my dad, as Pauline lumbered away, spent.
Allan, who knew my father well, simply asked, "Uncle Harry, is there anything I could possibly say that could change your mind?"  "Nothing," my father replied. So Allan said, "Good, then let's eat." and off they went, laughing together, to grab a bite, while Pauline, bewildered, shouted back, "That's how you took over the fight?!"

Mike the fisherman

July 26, 2015

One summer, I was in a group share house in Belmar at the Jersey shore with my close friend, Joyce Parseghian, who was also my roommate in the city.  Allan knew her and they got along famously.

Joyce was interested in a guy named Art who ran hot and cold and wasn't giving her the attention she wanted, so Allan came up with a plan.  One weekend, he said that he would take his son Mike, then about 8, deep-sea fishing, and they'd bring us what they caught (blue fish), which they did, in the middle of the night.  Allan told Joyce to invite Art for dinner, saying we had fresh-caught bluefish, and when he was there, to make him jealous by telling him that her date, this great guy named "Mike," caught it the night before for her. Worked like a charm!  We never mentioned that her date, Mike, was my 8-year-old cousin. 

(Meantime, poor little Michael was seasick the whole time, in the middle of the night on a boat, out on the choppy ocean, surrounded by older men and fish.  Sorry, Mike. It was for a good cause.) 

Invite others to Allan's website:

Invite by email

Post to your timeline