Alvin "Big Al" Elias' Obituary
Alvin "Big Al" Elias (March 5, 1930-October 20, 2016) passed away quietly at home on October 20, 2016 surrounded with love.
Originally from New York, Alvin found his true love Lenore (Gold) on Miami Beach while vacationing here in the 1950s. Their 65 year marriage is a testament to what a wonderful husband Al was. Always the life of any party, Al brought his special sense of humor and charm to everyone, always with his beloved, beautiful wife at his side. They could always be counted on to get the dancing started!
He was a pioneer in the Miami garment district, opening a clothing factory in what is now Wynwood, and served as vice-president of the Florida Children's Wear Guild.
A Trustee of Beth Torah Benny Rok Campus, Elias helped build this synagogue into what it is today. From always performing in shows that the shul sponsored, to taking part as a Minyanaire and often helping raise funds with our beloved Rabbi Max, Al was considered one of the founding pillars of the synagogue.
After retiring at the young age of 62, Elias took part in many community service activities. Being fluent in Spanish allowed him to help the victims of Hurricane Andrew and help serve the children of this community as a Guardian Ad Litem. He also served as a listener to troubled teens with Miami-Dade Schools.
On Sunday mornings, he could be found making his special French toast, taking the children out on a fishing trip or going for a horseback ride. Al was very proud of his children, Beth Roscoe, Robyn Mizrachi, Ellen Elias and Sam (Robyn) Elias and they adored him. He could always be counted on to help with a school project, teach an important life lesson or just be there to give hugs and kisses.
Al's grandchildren Adam, Lauren, Ryan, Raya, Alexis and Jacob brought him special joy. He loved spending time with them, especially when they were little. They knew that they could always count on their Papu for anything. He had the chance to watch them grow into wonderful young adults, and always beamed with pride when talking about them.
Alvin is predeceased by his parents, Sam and Esther as well as his brothers, Hy and Lenny, brother-in-law Eugene Levy, son-in-law Jack Horvath and nephews Larry Levy and LJ Elias. Surviving Alvin is his beloved wife Lenore, all of his children and grandchildren and his little sister Phyllis Levy, whom he loved with all his heart. He also loved all of his nieces and nephews, and they loved their favorite Uncle Al.
The funeral will be held 12:30 pm Sunday, October 23, 2016 at Levitt Weinstein Memorial Chapel, 18840 W. Dixie Highway, Miami, FL 33180.
If you wish to honor Al's life then donations can be made to:
Beth Torah Benny Rok Campus
20350 NE 26th Ave, Miami, FL 33180
(305) 932-2829
or
The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis
Lois Pope Life Center
1095 NW 14th Terrace #48
Miami, FL 33136
(305) 243-6003
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