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I am so sorry to read this 3 years after Alan has died. I worked with him at the Howard Johnson’s restaurant and hotel near Holy Cross college in Worcester. What a great person Alan was. I am terribly sorry for loss.

I worked for Alan at one time. A very interesting man. I'm so sorry to see this.

I am sitting here looking at the number of times I have called Alan since the end of July, 26 times. Alan could be hard to reach at times and not unusual to not reach him for a while. Alan would return voicemails, but I would not often leave one. We spoke frequently, in February Alan spent a couple days at my house, we went out to Plum Island, it was a beautiful day. I felt it was so unusual to not hear from Alan. So I havd been calling alot over the past few weeks, beginning to get concerned. This morning I googled Alan to confirm his address... I see now that he has moved. Alan was a deeply religious and deeply philosophical friend. We would chat for hours. He loved the outdoors, he loved hockey, he loved golf, he celebrated and gave thanks everyday. Good coffee was important and a way to begin a session of dialog for us that we carried on over decades. I first met Alan in Gloucester, we had many boat adventures together during Tall Ships and other times working cruises at Boston Harbor Cruises together. Alan was smart, caring, devoted, inquisitive and ready to help anyone he could. Alan never asked for much nor did he need much, he knew his Boston history and his place in it as a local Quincy heritage youth. Alan was special, he was human, he was my freind. I am choking back tears today, I will remember him with smiles tomorrow. Bob Blair 978 884 3900

a tragic loss....I'm so sorry...former classmate ...

Dear Martha & John, My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Thinking of you during this sad time.

Dearest Martha, Our deepest condolences go out to you and your family. Our hearts are with you during this most difficult time. I remember meeting Alan many years ago when we were at your house back in high school, with you and your Dad at Merrymount. We spoke about English literature and challenging authors, (i.e., Chaucer). I remember him as a very bright guy. Please know you are in our thoughts and our prayers at this time. Love, Paul and Elaine

I am saddened to hear of the tragic passing of Alan. He attended the early worship service at Trinity Episcopal Church 229 Highland street regularly since my incumbency as the priest for over five years. He was always engrossed and engaged especially during the sermon, and would elicit conversation with the preacher at the end of every service. He was loved and respected by all, and was willing to engage with duties during the worship service and even tasks in the church grounds. I would love to have the opportunity to have a memorial service for Alan at Trinity Church. "Rest eternal grant unto Alan, O Lord; and may your light perpetual shine upon him."

To Alan's Family: Alan was a faithful member of Trinity Episcopal's 8am Sunday Congregation, and we are so sad and sorry to hear of his death. He'd ride to church on his bike, no matter the weather, and he always had a second sermon to deliver at the end of each service. I so enjoyed Alan's lively theology -- we all knew how attentive Alan was to the presence of God in his life, and in all our lives. Alan shared so much with us, and always with a smile. He is missed and will continue to be missed by his Trinity Family, especially each Shrove Tuesday, as Alan was among our best pancake makers. We will continue to give thanks for his life and ministry. Prayers ascending for all of you. The Rev. Deacon Mary Beth Emerson Trinity Episcopal Church 229 Highland Street Marshfield Hills, MA 02051

I knew Alan and the Colby family growing up in Merrymount. He came from a great family! Although I mostly hung out with his younger brother John, I always enjoyed it when Alan was around, either playing street hockey or ice hockey on Blacks Creek. I looked up to him and he was a great big brother and a good guy, On behalf of Pam, Brian and Toni Fleming (Heney), I want to express our deepest sympathies to Nancy, John and Martha on the loss of Alan. May he rest in peace.

I am so sorry to hear of Al's passing and offer my most sincere sympathies to his family for the loss of such an outstanding individual. First met Al in 6th grade while attending ELC class at Furnace Brook Elementary. Early on, it was easy to recognize his exceptional personality and unique character. Years later, when we met again at QHS, it was as if he had never skipped a beat. Intelligent, talented, witty and wily, Big Al brought a lot energy with him wherever he went. Too many stories to tell here, but I will never forget the knock on my dormitory door in the middle of Vermont one Sunday morning in the early 70's, only to see Al standing in the hallway after hunting me down before his hockey game. We had lunch and talked for hours. After the game, we got together again before the team bus headed back to Hamilton. That was the kind of guy Al always was. If you were his friend, you were his friend forever. Can't believe he is gone, but I look forward to the next time he knocks on my door.

Although I last saw Al decades ago, I still remember him for his good nature and zest for living. Wherever Al went a good time was sure to follow. Whether it was driving back from spring break in Florida in Swah’s car with no brakes, or blasting Bruce Springsteen from the windows of a group rental in “downtown” Clinton, Al was always the life of the party. I am sure his family and friends will miss him, and I will always remember him as a great guy.

So sorry to hear about Alan's passing. He was a terrific guy! Went to school with him, starting at Merrymount Elementary. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. 🙏🙏

So very sorry for your loss & the passing of Alan. I met him in passing at the Clift Rodgers Library Memorial book sale a number of years back. We chatted about books & he shared several he recommended. He seemed like quite a book reader. May he Rest In Peace and you all be comforted by fond memories.