Alfred Gitman

Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., Jan. 27, 1929, he was a son of the late Max and Rose Schriftman Gitman.

He was a graduate of New York University and served as a first lieutenant in the Air Force during the Korean War.

Alfy was a member of Oheb Zedeck Synagogue, Pottsville, where he was a member of the building committee.

In 1950, he and his brother entered into the family business, the Ashland Shirt Company, which was started by their father. The company, which later became known as Gitman Brothers, was the first air-conditioned factory in Schuylkill County. After starting with 125 employees, the company eventually grew to 300, and sold shirts nationally by the time Alfy retired in 1995.

Alfy was passionate about opera, an avid New York Rangers hockey fan, and enjoyed vacationing, where he often scuba-dived, always photographing each destination.

In addition to his parents, Alfy was preceded in death by his brother, Dr. Leo Gitman, and by his twin brother Shelly.

Alfy is survived by his wife, Fay; his children Peter, Barbara, and Cathy; his stepchildren Jeffrey and Lee Davison; and by several nieces and nephews.