Albert Joel Platt

Albert Joel Platt (October 3, 1934 – January 10, 2026) passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 91. Known to most simply as Al or Albie, he lived a life defined by devotion to family, quiet integrity, and a warmth that made people feel immediately at home.

Al was born and raised in Lawrence, New York, a place he always considered home. He went on to attend the University of Alabama, and while life eventually brought him back to New York, the independence and confidence he gained there stayed with him for the rest of his life. He would ultimately spend nearly his entire life within a short distance of where he grew up, building deep roots in the community that shaped him.

Al shared 61 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Judith Platt. Their partnership was a rare and beautiful one—marked by loyalty, laughter, shared friendships, and a deep sense of devotion. Together they created a home that was open and welcoming, a place where family and friends gathered easily and often, and where love was expressed in countless quiet ways. Their marriage became a lasting model of commitment and companionship for everyone who knew them.

Al is survived by his son Ira Platt and Ira’s wife Georgiana; his son Michael Platt; Michael’s wife Allison; and his four cherished grandchildren, Ben Platt, Jeremy Joseph Platt, Dylan Platt, and Jordan Platt. His family was the center of his world, and he took deep pride in the lives they built and the people they became.

Al had an unmistakable presence—his wide smile, his booming, joyful laugh, and his genuine interest in others made him easy to love. He had a gift for talking with anyone, turning brief encounters into real moments of connection. What might have seemed like small talk to others was, for Albie, a way of honoring people simply by paying attention to them.

For more than 45 years, Al ran Famous Wines & Spirits at 27 William Street in lower Manhattan—first alongside his father, Sol Platt, and later with his son Michael. The store was more than a business; it was an extension of his character. He took pleasure in helping customers find something they would enjoy, and he approached every interaction with patience, respect, and care. The long holiday seasons brought the entire family together, bound by hard work, shared purpose, and memories that still echo warmly.

Al was a competitive tennis player and a longtime member of the Lawrence Tennis Club. He was also an avid bowler, and he found joy in both the discipline of these sports and the simple pleasure of playing alongside others.

Those who knew Al will remember a man who showed his love not through grand gestures, but through constancy—through showing up, working hard, listening carefully, and caring deeply. His legacy lives on in the family he nurtured, the friendships he kept, and the quiet goodness he brought into the world.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 14, at 12:30 p.m. at Riverside – Nassau North Chapel, 55 North Station Plaza, Great Neck, NY. Shiva will follow at the Platt home, 65 Sturges Highway, Westport, CT, on Wednesday afternoon and on Thursday and Friday from noon onward. The service will be livestreamed at:

https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/c26011411316633