Alan Richard Tatar

Preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Margery Tatar, he is survived by his devoted wife Sally Tatar (nee Wainstein); his three girls, Leslie (David) Grimm, Lauren (Chris) Preto, and Lisa (Andy) Ziss; his sisters Eileen “Sissy” (Jack) Moore and Nancy (Tom) Pelich; his grandchildren Jeremy and Molly Grimm, Lyla and Lucas Preto, and Caleb and Julianne Ziss; his brother-in-law Mayer (Deanna) Wainstein; and many special nieces, nephews, and long-time friends.

Alan graduated from Shaker Heights High School in 1965. A proud Bobcat, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Ohio University in 1969 and then went on to obtain his Master’s of Business Administration degree from Case Western Reserve University in 1974.

Alan’s strong work ethic and dedication to his profession led him to a successful and fulfilling career as a Professional Engineer, a career that took him to places as far as Indonesia. His determination and his belief in the value of hard work is something he passed down to all of his daughters. As an engineer, Alan was often the voice of logic in the Tatar household. His wise advice of “everything is ok in moderation” will always be remembered by his daughters as they navigate life's ups and downs.

Alan was an avid golfer and was very proud of the BAIT (Big Al’s Invitational Tournament) he organized and led every summer for 44 years. He had a way with words and delivered many sentimental and amusing toasts and poems for special occasions. He often had people crying and laughing at the same time. He loved dogs, especially his beagles Brutus and Clyde and his shih-tzu Gizmo. He loved logic and puzzles of any kind. He loved singing, playing the piano, listening to live music, and going to the theater, and he really loved the Beatles.

He loved Cleveland and all its sports teams, regardless of the result. He loved shopping at Dunn Hardware and always found time for building things around the house. He loved ice cream and believed that any day was a good day for Dairy Queen.

Despite being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease at the age of 45, Alan did his very best to make his life the best it could be no matter the circumstance. He had a wonderful, sometimes sarcastic and often inappropriate, sense of humor even in difficult situations. He had a smile that charmed everyone he met. He never complained, and he always left people better than he found them, especially in his later years. His memory is a blessing to everyone that knew him.

Funeral services were held at Berkowitz-Kumin-Bookatz Memorial Chapel on Thursday, May 1st, 2025.

Graveside committal services will be held at Mt. Olive Cemetery, 27855 Aurora Rd, Solon, OH 44139 on Sunday, May 18, 2025 at 1:30 PM.

Friends who wish may contribute to Hospice of the Western Reserve or the Michael J Fox Foundation.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be left at www.bkbmc.com for the Tatar family.