Albany - Alan V. Iselin died peacefully on August 11th.  Alan was a child of the Depression and spent his early years with his parents, Albert and Harriet, and his siblings Margie and Ralph, in New Jersey and Troy.  During World War II, Alan studied at the University of Colorado and University of Miami as part of the Navy ROTC and then served in the Pacific as a Lieutenant JG.  After his service, Alan returned to Albany where he met his beloved wife, Barbara Hellman, to whom he was married in 1951.  There soon followed four children, Gayle, Harold, Linda (z’l) and Joanne.

Alan began his long and illustrious business career of over 70 years in the drive-in movie theater business.  He eventually owned a number of theaters in the Capital Region and Florida.  For over a decade, he would be at the theaters at night selling tickets and overseeing operations and during the day maintained an office in the Nipper building.

In 1964, Alan added a new role of movie producer.  He produced four not-so-legendary low-budget pics:  Horror of Party Beach, Curse of the Living Corpse, Frankenstein Meets the Space Monster and Come Spy with Me.  (For movie buffs, one of these was Roy Scheider’s very first movie.)  Alan loved “the Biz” and continued to dabble in movie and TV projects throughout his life.

Alan eventually sold or developed the theaters and turned to new business ventures running manufacturing businesses and then serving as an investment management consultant with Cowen & Co. and The Trust Company of the West.

Alan took great pride in being a community leader, board member and philanthropist for many local and national non-profit organizations.  These include serving as chair or board member of the Hebrew Union College Board of Directors, Congregation Beth Emeth, the College of Saint Rose Friends Annual Campaign, the United Way of Northeastern New York, the United Jewish Appeal, the Cerebral Palsy telethon, the Palace Theater, the St. Peter’s Hospital Board of Trustees and the Albany Chamber of Commerce.  Governor Mario Cuomo appointed Alan as the chair of the SUNY Albany Council and then to the SUNY Board of Trustees.  Governors Rockefeller and Carey also appointed Alan to advisory councils.  Alan had a special relationship with Mayor Tom Whalen with whom he made several golfing trips to Ireland.

Alan received many honors throughout his life.  Among those of which he was most proud were the Four Chaplains Brotherhood award given by the Jewish War Veterans, the Anschel Weiss Community Builders Award, the University of Albany Citizen Laureate Award and the Jewish Community Center Pillars award.

However, Alan’s greatest source of joy came from his family.  He was devoted to his parents and siblings, his wife, Barbara (z’l) to whom he was married for more than 60 years, his children and their spouses (John (z’l), Lauren, Don and Dave ( z'l )10 grandchildren (Corey, Justin, Dana, Julia, Jacob, David (z’l), Alex, Michael, Max and Sam) one great-grandchild (Owen) and also to many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.  After Barbara died, Alan had a special relationship with Renee Whitman, and they had many great times together.  

Alan had a zest for life.  He loved music and had a great singing voice.  Late in life he recorded a CD singing his favorite songs.  He loved to ski, golf and swim.  One of Alan’s special experiences was attending Super Bowl III in which his beloved New York Jets won their one and only Super Bowl. (Thank you Joe Namath!)  Unfortunately, Alan passed the affliction of being a Jets fan onto his children and grandchildren.  Alan took special pride in being a veteran.  He often wore his WWII Vet hat, marched in parades well into his nineties and was delighted when people thanked him for his service.

Alan was loved and admired for his charm, friendliness and willingness to help everyone. Alan’s family wants to thank his caregivers who helped Alan throughout his last years.

The burial will be private.  The Iselin family will be sitting shiva from 7-9 PM on August 14th at the home of Lauren and Harold Iselin, 44 Crystal Lane, Delmar.  There will be a memorial service at Congregation Beth Emeth celebrating Alan’s life on Wednesday, August 31, 2022 at 1:00pm.   In lieu of flowers or food, please consider a contribution to Congregation Beth Emeth, the Hebrew Union College, St. Peter’s Hospital or the charity of your choice.