ALVIN MAURICE STILMAN

GRAVESIDE FUNERAL SERVICE, SUNDAY 10/23/2022 AT 1:00 PM Alvin Maurice Stilman, 87, died on Monday, October 17, 2022. He was born in Detroit, MI on November 3, 1934. He attended Central high school and enjoyed running for their track and cross-country teams. Then, he attended Wayne State University where he majored in Latin. Within six months of college graduation, Alvin married Ann (née Holten), was drafted to the army and was stationed in Germany. While serving there, Ann and Alvin lived off-base and enjoyed interacting with the locals. In Erlangen, Germany, they welcomed the birth of their first son, Jeffrey, in 1959. Following completion of his service, Alvin, Ann and Jeffrey toured Germany before returning to Detroit. In 1961, the family welcomed their second son, Steven. Alvin worked as a Latin teacher at East Detroit high school for seven years. Then, he opened Alvin's Finer Delicatessen, a staple on Wayne State University's campus. Alvin's was well-known for Sunday brunch where artists, musicians, and poets could come together to enjoy bagels and the New York Times (both rarities in that era) while listening to live jazz and sitting by a crackling fire. Following his divorce, Alvin moved to Mexico City for about two years. There, he met Cort Strandberg, with whom he moved to San Francisco to start his next business venture. In the Mission district, Cort and Alvin opened Café Babar which felt, to the many regulars, like an extension of one's living room. Guests, who knew Cort and Alvin by name, could listen to live music and enjoy poetry readings there until Alvin sold the business in 1999. During his time in San Francisco, Alvin met Renée Luby, who would go on to be his partner for life. Together, they purchased a second home in southwest France where they spent many summers and enjoyed entertaining their numerous visitors. Alvin will be remembered for his authenticity and spunk, his affinity for decor with an animal motif, and his famous moustache. He was extremely social and a great conversationalist who could make a lifelong friend out of an acquaintance on public transportation. He made each of his dreams a reality and was undeterred by the possibility of failure. Alvin was an open-minded polyglot, a fantastic cook, and a wonderful friend who loved tennis, jazz, wine, and crosswords. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Lillian Stilman, and his sisters Honey (Mike) Weingarten, Gladys (Teddy) Allen, and Beatrice Stein. He is survived by his partner, Renée Luby; his children Jeffrey (Erin) Stilman and Steven (Ronald) Stilman; his grandchildren Joshua (Adrienne) Stilman and Leah (Christopher) Jansen; and his great-granddaughter, Cambria Stilman. Alvin will be missed dearly, for he touched the hearts of many, and his stories will live on through them." INTERMENT: Hebrew Memorial Park Cemetery OFFICIATING: Rabbi J. Kaluzny SHIVA: The family will be observing Shiva Sunday after the interment at the home of the niece, Elaine & Dr. Barry Moss 20232 Forestwood Southfield MI 48076 Shiva Service at 7:00 PM CONTRIBUTIONS: If you would like to further honor the memory of ALVIN STILMAN you may do so by making a contribution to: A Charity of Your Choice

ALVIN MAURICE STILMAN

November 3, 1934 - October 17, 2022

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ALVIN MAURICE STILMAN

November 3, 1934 - October 17, 2022

Obituary Notification

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