Obituary of Alvin Michaelson

Alvin Michaelson passed away September 28, 2014 after a long, dignified life, filled with his commitment to family, local politics, photography, bible study, archaeology, and his love of all things equestrian. Born December 25, 1919, he lived in Jersey City, New Jersey. He married his wife Helen, who survives him , in 1950. He is also survived by his older sister Florence Bernstein, his daughter Jo, son Peter and grandson Jacob. Alvin was a child of the depression. In the 1930’s he was a member of the Civilian Conservation Corps. He attended the Cooper Union night school, earning a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. He served in the Army as a Lieutenant with the occupying forces in Japan in 1945. He began his professional life in the lighting industry, and moved with his young family to Schenectady to work at General Electric in 1955. He continued his career at the Knolls Atomic Power Lab. He earned a Masters of Electrical Engineering from Union College in 1972. Al’s passion was horses; he started when he watched the draft horses in Jersey City. Horses bonded him with his bride to be and were the centerpiece of their honeymoon. His own horse, Leo, was his consuming interest in retirement, and he developed his skills at dressage and open field events into his early 80’s He was an unwavering husband and father, mentor to many, and will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Services at Congregation Gates of Heaven, 852 Ashmore Avenue in Schenectady on Tuesday, September 30, 2014 at 1:00pm. Interment will follow services in the Gates of Heaven Cemetery in Schenectady. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to remember Alvin in a special way may make a memorial contribution to a charity of your choice.