Alexander S. Estfan

Alexander Estfan, age 94, passed away January 7, 2014 at Agape Hospice Care in Roswell, GA after a sudden illness. Alex was born in Manchester, NH, the second of five children, to parents Simon and Victoria Estfan. They were Lebanese immigrants, and ultimately settled in Manchester, NH. Alexander’s first venture in business was helping his dad in the family produce business. After his education, he became employed with General Dynamics in New London, CT, building submarines during World War II. President Roosevelt gave him a deferment from military service, rather than losing such a talented military machinist. After the war, Alex traveled out west to Arizona, where he got into the entertainment business, doing carnivals. He lived in Los Angeles, CA for many years. He founded the first car wash, located on Santa Monica Blvd. Two of his famous clients were Edward G. Robinson and Barbara Stanwyck, movie actors. Alex also established a florist, bars, and lounges in L.A. He was an expert pilot and enjoyed flying his Cessna for business and pleasure. He was educated in real estate and became a real estate broker and decided to move to Atlanta to assist his brother, Fred Estfan, a land developer in East Cobb, Marietta, GA. His last business was a school and office supply company in Doraville, GA which he operated until his retirement in 2010. His wife, Janie, says this of him, “In his personal and business life, Alex never had a real ‘down’ cycle. There was no problem he could not solve and there were many.” His hobbies were fishing, woodwork, flying, and vacationing in Las Vegas. Alex is preceded in death by his son, Gary Estfan. Survivors include his wife of 32 years, Janie; two sisters, Sylvia Josif of Washington, DC and Mae Stephen of Palo Alto, CA; one brother, Fred Estfan of Marietta, GA; one stepdaughter, Cherry Bonds of Guntersville, AL; one granddaughter, Candice Swayden of Dallas, TX; step grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Sandy Springs Chapel is in charge of the cremation. No services will be held.