1934 - 2025
Born in Orange, New Jersey to Ransford and Annette Kober, Alan’s early years took him through Maine and Ohio before his family ultimately returned to New Jersey. He graduated from Madison, NJ High School at just 17, the youngest in his class, and soon after chose service over college. With his parents’ approval, Al entered the Army in 1954 and served three years, including 31 months as a Military Police in Germany. He was stationed 18 months in Munich, and 13 months in Berchtesgaden. Following his honorable discharge, he briefly pursued studies at Michigan State University through the Korean GI Bill before beginning a career in the insurance field following in his father’s footsteps as a property and casualty adjuster.
Alan and Fran married in 1959, and as their family grew, he recognized the importance of higher education. Balancing full-time work and fatherhood, he attended Fairleigh Dickinson University at night, ultimately earning his bachelor’s degree in 1967. He valued the opportunities afforded to him through both GI Bills and often expressed gratitude for the path they provided.
The family relocated to Franklin, Massachusetts in 1970 when Alan accepted a position with Mutual Fire Association of New England. His commitment to professionalism led him to earn his Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter designation in 1977, and he later rose to become President of the company. In 2000, he began what he fondly referred to as “the best job he ever had” as Vice President of Administration for The Andover Companies and Board member for Bay State Insurance Co. He continued in that role until his retirement in 2014 at the age of 77.
A man of simple joys and deep passions, Alan loved Hank Williams and old style country music, Westerns, Kettle One Vodka, and The Duke John Wayne. He was rarely without a paperback close by—whether in his car or hand. His pride in his military service remained strong throughout his life, and he often supported veteran causes and regularly gifted U.S. Flags to family members.
In keeping with his wishes, A private family service will be held with a celebration of life in the spring. Donations in Alan’s honor may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project (https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/) or USO (https://www.uso.org/).
Arrangements are under the care of the Ginley Crowley Funeral Home, 3 Barber St. in Medway ginleyfuneralhomes.com.
