Andrew Barry Alper

The funeral service will be held on Friday, September 6 at 11:00 AM at Hellman Memorial Chapels (15 State Street Spring Valley, NY 10977), followed by the burial at Baron Hirsch Cemetery (1126 Richmond Ave, Staten Island, NY 10314).

A beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Andrew Barry Alper was born on October 25, 1952 to Irving Alper z”l and Evelyn Alper z”l in Brooklyn, NY. Andy was his parents’ only child and the pride and joy of their lives. They taught him the importance of treating others well and doing the right thing, even when it wasn’t obvious or easy. As a child, Andy loved reading Mad Magazine and spending summers at Cejwin Camps, a Jewish summer camp in the Catskill Mountains. Andy excelled academically and went to Brooklyn Technical High School, followed by matriculation at Cornell University, where he studied mathematics and engineering. This past June, Andy attended his 50th college reunion and enjoyed reuniting with his Pi Lambda Phi fraternity brothers. Andy took time off from Cornell and later graduated from Brooklyn College in 1976 with a degree in philosophy.

Andy eventually met the love of his life, Alyse Weitz, at a Jewish singles mixer in Queens, NY. As the family folklore goes, he was set to travel to Europe shortly after meeting Alyse, but promised to call her when he returned. Ever true to his word, Andy did call, and six short months later, Andy and Alyse were engaged. They married on October 12, 1980, a union that will endure beyond the nearly 44 years that Andy and Alyse enjoyed together. They built a family, welcoming their daughters Meryl, Taryn, and Devra into the world. Andy was warm and affectionate, and we will miss his hugs, kisses, hand holding, and couch cuddles. He loved puns, “dad jokes,” and sharing funny New Yorker cartoons with us. No one could read "The Monster at the End of this Book" quite like him.

Andy’s attention to detail, sharp thinking, and calm demeanor were an asset to him in his work in business insurance and risk management. He retired in 2023 as a Senior Vice President at Marsh, Inc. after a 25-year career with the company. Outside of work, Andy’s life was enriched by his Judaism, his spirituality, and his commitment to his Jewish community and Israel. When he sought answers from life, Andy looked to the Torah and the Book of Psalms, finding that every moment in life was an opportunity to praise God. Andy was a pillar of the New City Jewish Center, where he served as PTA President, Men’s Club President, and Congregational Recording Secretary. Outside of NCJC, Andy was active in the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs, and held the position of Regional President for the Hudson Valley Region FJMC.

Andy is survived by his wife, Alyse (Weitz) Alper; his three daughters Meryl (Glen) Alper Weiss, Taryn (Jason) Alper, and Devra (Alex) Alper; and his five grandchildren Scarlett, Tenley, Emilia, Benjamin, and Margot.

Memorial donations may be made in Andy’s name to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation (https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/), a charity for which he annually raised money, as well as New City Jewish Center (https://www.newcityjc.org/payment.php).

Funeral services have been entrusted to Hellman Memorial Chapels, 15 State Street, Spring Valley, NY 10977 (845) 356-8600 Jewish Funeral Directors