Alan Lewis Seitel

June 24, 1947 – October 15, 2025

Dr. Alan L. Seitel passed away peacefully at his home on October 15, 2025, surrounded by his beloved family. A devoted father, educator, adventurer, and healer, Alan lived a life defined by curiosity, compassion, and a deep commitment to helping others.

Born on June 24, 1947, to Helen and Robert Seitel, Alan was a bright and determined spirit from a young age. He began his education at Admiral Farragut Academy and went on to pursue a distinguished academic path. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology from the University at Albany (Class of 1970), followed by a master’s degree in Speech Pathology from the University of Florida (Class of 1971). He received his Ph.D. in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Texas at Austin (Class of 1974).

Alan’s professional legacy spans decades and states, impacting countless lives. He found deep joy in teaching and administering speech-language pathology programs across the country, including at Colorado State University, Murray State University, the University of Nebraska Medical Center, and the University of Texas Medical Center in Houston. He later brought his expertise to communities across Maine, where he worked at several facilities and helped open a state-of-the-art rehabilitation center featuring the first resistance therapy pool in Northern Maine at Sebasticook Valley Hospital. While in Maine, Alan also founded Apex Speech and Rehabilitation Services in Brewer, Maine, where he continued his life’s mission of helping others find their voice.

A tireless advocate for access to care, he collaborated with Texas A&M International University and Professor Melissa Garcia to launch a pioneering student program in Belize. This program, “Students for Global Communication,” brought much-needed speech-language pathology services to a region without a single practicing therapist — a model Alan hoped would serve as a blueprint for care in underserved areas around the world. This was one of Alan’s biggest passions of his lifetime.

Alan poured his heart into this work. It was more than professional — it was deeply personal. He believed that everyone, regardless of where they lived, deserved the ability to communicate. His students brought him immense inspiration. Traveling with his students to Belize, working alongside them in the field, and witnessing the impact they had together were among the proudest and most fulfilling moments of his career.

Alan met the love of his life, Kathleen A. (Koop) Seitel, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center while both were settled in their careers. They were married on October 24, 1984, in a beautiful ceremony at the Lincoln Country Club. Together, they raised two children, Bryce (born 1987) and Abbey (born 1989).

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Alan was a man of adventure and passion. He earned his pilot's license early in life — for both gliders and single and twin-engine planes — and while in graduate school, served as a flight instructor. He especially loved taking his wife Kathleen up in the skies. He was a proud Porsche enthusiast, participating in clubs and events surrounded by people that shared his same love for the drive.

An avid cyclist and skier, Alan’s energy was boundless. When skiing wasn’t cutting it, he took up snowboarding for the first time in his 50’s. His family fondly remembers ski trips across New England and Canada, and weekend trips to Acadia National Park to hike, bicycle and kayak. Alan participated in many bicycle races all over Maine. He enjoyed riding the tandem bike around town with Kathleen. Toward the end of his life, when bicycling was getting more challenging, he purchased a Recumbent Trike. He was so determined – a true fighter until the very end. He faced every obstacle with courage and strength and never once gave up, no matter how difficult the path was.

Alan was known for his intelligence, strong will, and adventurous nature. He was protective of those he loved, confident in his pursuits, and deeply devoted to his family and friends. His legacy will live on through the countless people he helped, taught, and inspired.

He is survived by his loving children, Bryce and Abbey Seitel; his brother Fraser Seitel, sister-in-law Rosemary Seitel, and their children David Seitel and Raina Seitel (Raina’s son, Hunter); his sister Jane Seitel, and her children Jesse Seitel and Mara Henke; his uncle Howard Barmad; and cousins Gene and Tammy Berman. He was preceded in death by his wife, Kathleen Seitel, and parents, Helen and Robert Seitel.

Alan’s family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to all who supported him during his final years — especially his brother, Fraser, whose unwavering support brought great comfort to him and his family.

A graveside service will be held on Sunday October 26th at Cedar Park Cemetery 735 Forest Avenue Paramus, NJ 07652. If you wish attend, please be there at 10:15AM.

Flowers may be sent to Gutterman and Musicant Jewish Funeral Directors – 402 Park Street Hackensack, NJ 07601. Must be sent before 8:00AM on Sunday October 26th.