Alvin Ribner, my dear friend, you will be missed.

I have been blessed that our paths through life had crossed.  I met Alvin early on in my career at Kalikow Brothers.  My first introduction was through a phone call Alvin had made to the company.  I was a new employee and still â€œwet behind the earsâ€.  Alvin called to place an order for a customer and asked for a â€œplain frontâ€ pant.  At that time, I had no idea what he was referring to.  Alvin asked to speak to Charles Kalikow, the owner of the company.  â€œCharlie, fire that kid, he doesn't know a thing about the pant businessâ€.  That was our start to a wonderful friendship.

Alvin was a highly respected professional.  His customers knew his intent was always in the interest to help them.  He was relentless in making sure he serviced the profession he so loved.

Moreover, Alvin was a â€œfamily manâ€.  His love for his beautiful wife Lila never needed an audible confession, it was obvious in his actions.  He always spoke of Lila, Sandy, and Chet with a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face.  I was invited often to spend a night or two in the lovely Woodlands Hotel, the Ribner home.  I have fond memories of watching football, having dinner, and a fine night's rest.   A carafe of water at bedside, a fresh ground and brewed cup of â€œjoeâ€, and a fresh squeezed glass of juice from a tree in the back yard always made for a pleasant experience.  Then there is â€œwhite ballâ€.  We may know it as golf, but Al always had a special term.  We have played several rounds throughout the years.  It was truly a passion of Al's.  We would finish a round and have a cocktail at the bar.  Al would always brag to the bartender and friends about how far I could hit the ball.  He never stated that it was a hook or a slice and we exited the course to find it.  His consistent little poke down the fairway always resulted in a better round than mine, but that was never brought to light.  He always praised others in a very enduring way.  

I cannot effectively put into words the impact Al had on my life.  I looked to him as a Mentor, father figure, and friend. He was a man of integrity.   He led a wonderful life.   He served his country, he served his profession, and he served and loved his family.  I am blessed to have known him and he will be missed.

His dear friend,

Mr. Rodi

Al was a devoted representitive ,mentor and friend of our's for over 25 years .His enthusiam for his life,his friends ,his customer's  and his business never diminished.
He will be remembered and missed .
Paul Levine 
Marc Kalikow 
Kalikow Bros.

Al was a wonderful long time mentor ,associate and friend .He had the respect of his customers and the company he represented .He had a enthusiam for his business and his life that did not diminish as he grew older .We will miss him.
Paul Levine 
Marc Kalikow
Kalikow Bros.

Alvin made it clear that he loved Florida and had no plans to visit New York City again so I never met him in person.  We did, however, develop a nice friendship from our phone conversations over our many years together at Kalikow Bros. and later Fishman & Tobin.  When he called me on the phone, he would customarily greet me "hello Lady Josie" and this warmed my heart every time.  Al was a true gentleman.  It was a blessing to me to have known him.  I enjoyed hearing the love in his voice as he spoke of his family and the enthusiasm he had for playing golf and spending time at the club.  I will fondly remember him always.

OBITUARY

Alvin Ribner

December 14, 1921 – December 1, 2011

Star of David Memorial Gardens Cemetery & Funeral Chapel

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