Dr. Michael Dale Alkov

A much-loved husband, father, and brother, retired dentist, Dr. Michael Dale Alkov, 73, of Los Angeles, passed away peacefully at his assisted living home on April 5, 2025, surrounded by his family. He had bravely and with grace confronted Parkinson’s Disease for the last five years.

Michael was deeply loved and will be dearly missed by his wife of 51 years, Melanie, daughter, Nicole, son, David, brother Leonard (wife, Georgia), only cousin, Rena, and many relatives and friends.

Michael was born on January 12, 1952 in Los Angeles. His parents, Dale and Leda Alkov, were both born in Russia. He was named in memory of his grandfather, Michael Visaroff, a Russian-American film actor, who had a part in the first Dracula movie.

Michael attended Mar Vista Elementary School and Webster Jr. High. The Alkov family resided on Colby Avenue in Mar Vista.

In December of 1964, Michael celebrated his 13th birthday ‘Bar Mitzvah’ at the Haym Solomon Synagogue in Mar Vista.

Michael began attending Venice High School in February of 1967. He was voted Senior Class President, “Most Likely to Succeed,” and was a Commencement Speaker at graduation.

Michael married fellow Venice High Gondolier Winter 1970 classmate Melanie Paula Lester on April 20, 1974 at Beth Sholom Temple in Santa Monica. They met on their first day of high school in Spanish class, as his restless leg was tapping the back of Melanie’s chair. Michael received his undergraduate degree from UC Santa Barbara and Melanie received her undergraduate degree from UCLA.

In 1978, Michael graduated from the USC School of Dentistry. After graduation Michael was accepted into a General Practice Dental Residency Program in the United States Public Health Services in Boston, Massachusetts. Michael and Melanie loved living in Boston for two years and touring the East Coast landscapes.

In 1981 they moved to Huntington Beach with the goal of raising a family in the O.C. Michael ran a busy, successful dental office in Carson until his retirement in 2009. Over the span of 33 years, he treated more than 20,000 patients. He was loved by his patients and staff. Shortly after his retirement, Michael and Melanie returned to West Los Angeles.

Michael had a passion and love for Judaism, politics, history, traveling, gardening, photography, Snoopy, and aquariums. He loved to laugh and enjoyed watching Seinfeld, The Simpsons, and Star Trek. For weekend pleasure and relaxation, he liked going to movies, restaurants, and entertainment venues with family and friends.

In August of 2019, Michael and Melanie attended the Venice High School 50th reunion in the fascinating Zimmerman Auto Museum in El Segundo. What he enjoyed most was reuniting with his Mar Vista friends.

The Alkov family are devoted members of two synagogues. They are active members of Temple Beth David in Westminster and Wilshire Boulevard Temple in Los Angeles.

May his memory be a Blessing