DANVERS – formerly of Swampscott, Alan Jay Shactman, age 90 years, entered into rest on February 4, 2023 at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers. He was the beloved husband of Ruth (Christopher) Shactman. He was born on November 15, 1932 to the late Jacob and Hilda (Lamken) Shactman. Alan was a resident of Swampscott, Lynnfield, and Danvers. He served as President of the Swampscott High School Class of 1950 and was a member of the school’s ice hockey and baseball teams. He was known to attend the annual Swampscott Marblehead Thanksgiving Day Football game, adorned in his infamous Swampscott blue-and-white sweater.
Alan attended the University of Pennsylvania for 2 years before transferring to Brandeis University, where he was a member of the university’s baseball team. Alan graduated from Brandeis University in 1954 and married his first wife Alice (Hershman) Shactman. An honorably discharged veteran, Alan served his country during the Korean War as a member of the United States Army stationed in France. Upon his return to the states, Alan began his long successful career as an insurance agent. He worked for his father in the family-owned insurance agency, and eventually took over the business.
Alan loved watching and playing sports. He was a diehard St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan and staunch supporter of the Boston Bruins. He played ice hockey until he was 65 and tennis into his 80s. Alan regularly attended the NCAA Collegiate Hockey Frozen Four Tournament with his children. He enjoyed watching his grandson, Brian Day, play collegiate hockey and scouted local high school baseball teams for Roger Day, the former coach of the Danvers High School baseball team.
Alan was a lifelong learner, world traveler and a lover of music. He was the consummate fisherman. Alan looked forward to his annual fishing trips with his son, Steven, and step-son, Doug, to Wheaton’s Lodge in Maine. He was a political enthusiast, history buff and an avid reader. Alan and Ruth traveled to many countries and enjoyed their annual escape to Aruba. Alan never tired of listening to The Beach Boys and Big Band music. He adored dogs, especially his beloved basset hound, Samuel Sad-Eye Shactman. As someone who recognized the importance of community involvement, Alan became involved in the “A Better Chance” program, served as President of Temple B’nai Abraham and was a member of the Lynnfield Conservation Commission, Danvers Board of Health and Danvers Rotary Club. Alan will be remembered for his work ethic, sense of humor, love of adventure and love of family. Alan never shied away from raising awareness of an issue, as he deeply believed in people using their voices to speak up about matters that were important to them.
In addition to his wife Ruth, Alan is survived by his three children: Steven Shactman, Linda (Jonathan Stringer) Day, and Laura (Wade) Goldman; and three stepchildren: Michael Hinerman and his partner John Troung, Kristen (Doug) Marsden and Jennifer Hinerman and her partner Dana Nahumck. Alan also is survived by his six grandchildren: Scott (Kim) Shactman, Jordan (Kim) Shactman, Allison Day, Brian (Laura) Day and Daniel and Ben Goldman; four step-grand-children: Jacob Marsden, Julia Marsden and her fiancé Jake Cassidy, and Levi and Savannah Barrows; and 3 great grandchildren: Cameron and Lucas Shactman and Micah Day. He also is survived by his brother David (Nancy) Shactman, former son-in-law Roger Day, former wife Alice Shactman and many nieces and nephews. Alan was predeceased by his late daughter-in-law, Lorietta (Snyder) Shactman.
Services at Stanetsky-Hymanson Memorial Chapel, 10 Vinnin Street, Salem on Tuesday, February 7, 2023, at 10:00 AM. Interment will be at Temple Emanu El Memorial Park in Danvers. Shiva will be held on Tuesday, February 7, 2023, between the hours of 4:00 PM and 7:00 P.M. at the home of Ruth and Alan. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in his memory to Care Dimensions in Danvers and to Swampscott High School.
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