Alan Paul Lentin
October 6, 1944 ~ February 18, 2023
Alan Lentin, devoted father, teacher, uncle, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully in his home on Saturday, February 18, 2023, at the age of 78 surrounded by loved ones.
Born and raised in the Bronx, Alan was a school rule breaker in his youth, however education quickly became the focus of his entire adult life. This included pursuing and receiving a Doctor of Education degree. Alan committed his life to teaching in New York City public schools and later became a high school principal. He opened Richard R. Green High School of Teaching in the 1980s, a school for students that wanted to become teachers. After retiring from the New York City school system, Alan continued to teach at Montclair State University in Montclair, New Jersey, and Pace University and Hunter College in New York City as a professor of education. He volunteered his time as well teaching incarcerated individuals preparing for their equivalency exams. He was a beloved teacher, principal, and mentor.
When Alan wasn’t teaching, he was reading The New York Times, cooking, traveling, and skiing. Alan has been all over the world, but his favorite place was Paris, France, where he would travel frequently to enjoy fresh bread while walking along the Seine.
Alan spent his life dedicated to his students, friends, and family. He is survived by many, including his daughters Laura and Alaina, their mother Roseann Lentin, his sister Diane Zilz and her husband Lew Friedman, his nephew Arthur Zilz and wife Jackie, and his grandniece Zoie.
Friends and family may call on Saturday, February 25 from 12-2pm at the Eden Memorial Chapels located at 327 Main Street (opposite the Fort Lee Library). A period of eulogies and reflections will begin promptly at 1pm, all are invited to attend. For more information, please call 201-947-3336.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions on behalf of Alan can be made to Richard R. Green High School of Teaching. The donation page can be found at Everloved.com.
May Alan’s memory be an inspiration.
Services
Family Reflections: Saturday, February 25, 2023 1:00 pm - 12:00 am
Eden Memorial ChapelsView current weather.
Memories Timeline
Photo Gallery
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
My poor hs principle u was the best at what u did. I feel horrible about ur passing I know you received ur wings God bless u always. Class of 98 /99
Alan was a great dad!
Q: How did you meet Alan?
A: Alan and I met when he interviewed me for a position as the opening staff of R.R. Green High School of teaching in 1989. He was a good person and a mentor. He went to my wedding in 1991. I will miss you Alan. May you rest in peace. Live long and prosper
Q: How would you describe Alan to someone who had never met them?
A: May he Rest In Peace. I’m a Richard R Green High School of Teaching 1996 alum -Alan was the type of leader who was always leaving his door open. Whether it was school government meetings, planning senior class trips, or even when we were just moody and wanted to talk you were supportive. You hugged us and melted away our troubles. You created a school community where creativity could thrive; WinterFest every winter break, all those trips to Off Broadway and Broadway shows, The Frick Collection premier, MET museum, MOMA, and Guggenheim. We had an international learning experience because you encouraged teachers to think “outside the box”. That showed us students how we can think “outside the box” too. Thank you for showing us “Rain Man” with Tom Cruise and leading critical thinking in discussion afterwards. Thank you for pushing us to AP courses, and thinking about our futures. I’m on my PhD journey at Fordham University in part because of your commitment to the transformative power of education. You always said you wanted our school to be a place that you would be proud to send your own kids to. Thank you for protecting us in school-we were safe under your care. We love you Alan!
My late husband Alex Faber worked with and loved Alan…they had spirited and intelligent discussions about politics and everything else. Alex loved and respected Alan.
After he retired, Alex and I would meet Alan for bagel breakfasts often…it was always great! He came with both daughters to my yoga classes.
He was like family to us…it was a blessing to know him. Smart, kind, and a great listener.❤️
Neil and I met Alan through his sister Diane. He would come down to Florida for a vacation at his sister’s condo, where we met Alan. He was a wonderful man, and will be remembered always. May he rest in peace.Our condolences to his wonderful family.
Q: Describe where Alan worked and what they did
A: From my first visit to RRGreen HST, he convinced me that his school was the only 1 for me! Dr. Alan was my HS Principal and an inspiration to my fellow classmates and I. He was also important to my family because he created a job for my Mom, being that she was so involved in my HS career. She then worked in RRGreen HST for 18 years. She wasn’t always the easiest person to appease because she was very passionate. He was very dedicated and understanding. She could really count on him!
Through his program, I was able to intern with my former 3rd grade teacher (whom inspired me to want to become a teacher since my days in her class.)
I am proud to say that I have given back by becoming a NYC Public School Teacher. I know that Alan was definitely a part of my inspiration and I am forever thankful for his continous support.
He will be missed tremendously and I pray that your family will find the strength through this difficult time.
Sleep in eternal peace Angel.
Alan was a dedicated leader and principal. He was tough on me but inspired me to the leader I am today . We didn’t always agree but I had much respect for him. Alan you will live on in all the hearts you touched . Rest in peace .
Alan, you will live forever in our hearts and memories. We love you, Shine on Alan… Jayne, Larry & Danielle Litoff
Our 1996 graduation committee crew! Alan made it so much fun by providing guidance and encouragement. We loved our time with him!
Q: How did you meet Alan?
A: I met Alan (I would call him Mr Lentin) in High School in 1994. He was the most dedicated, loving, tough (in a loving way) and most amazing principal that could exist. He genuinely cared so much for us students and I will forever remember him and be grateful to have met him and had him as my High School Principal. Sending my condolences to his loved ones and family. Rest In peace Mr. Lentin
❤️Noelia Dominguez Class of 98’
Q: What will you miss most about Alan?
A: I’ll miss most his smile. Here he came to our 25th RRGreen high school reunion. He was funny and at the same time could call down thunder like Thor if some knucklehead pulled antics in high school. He could deliver a stern talking-to, but always with love. He made us knew he cared.
Touched so many lives of students at Richard R. Green. He will be greatly missed!
Our hearts are broken to hear of the passing of Alan. Our deepest condolences. Sending lots of love & prayers to Alaina, & the Lentin family.
but the one lesson I never forgot a
I loved working with Alan at HST. We met again when we were both teaching at Hunter College. He was really special.
To his wonderful daughters: I just want to let you know how fondly I remember when you were little little and used to come to HST graduations.
I live in Texas now so I cannot be there in person to share great stories, but I will be there in spirit.
Thanks for everything, Alan.
Dear Laura, Alaina, and all who loved Alan— in September of 1991, your father took a chance and hired me fresh out of grad school to become a teacher at RRGHST. It was my first real job and at the age of 21, I was only slightly older than the students I was about to teach. Over my 4 years there, thanks to some amazing mentors— your father, Don, Maxine,and our beloved Suzanne Arden, I know I learned just as much if not more than the students— how to find common ground, how to find the excitement in learning, how to share that knowledge, how to appreciate our city and how to create a loving community. When my cohort of students graduated, so did I to embark on a new course of study and career as a lawyer. Yet, nothing makes me prouder than my time teaching at Richard Green. Your father was the heart and soul of that place and his memory will be with me every time I walk past that old building on East 88th Street. Sending you my deepest condolences. May his memory be for a blessing.
Alan was a beloved principal at Richard R. Green HS and will be missed by many. Sending his family love and peace. ❤️
Alan was always so kind to my grandchildren He was always friendly & interested & went out of his way to make them feel special Rafi & Eliana were very sad to hear that Alan was not well & were praying for his recovery May his memory be for a blessing ! He will be missed and we hope his family will be comforted by their many wonderful memories ❤️
To all at RRGHST and the education community, this is such sad news. Alan was an amazing principal with a vision unlike any other. His respect and trust in teachers, staff and students never wavered. His dedication to teaching had impacts far beyond the measurable. It was a privilege to work with him. He will be greatly missed, but always remembered.
Sorry to hear about this he was such a good guy when we were at that school R.I.P Alan Lentin
A phenomenal man and a profound loss. Rest in peace, your life has inspired courage, confidence, intelligence, compassion, and love in so many. Thank you for your life and service. Our lives are not truly over until all the ripples we create go still. Alan created so very many ripples.
I was a student at Satellite Academy, back in the late 70’s early 80’s, when I met Alan. He helped me so much back then he became my father figure. What a kind and caring gentleman he was! He will be missed and always loved! RIP Alan.
Q: How did you meet Alan?
A: I met him as a student at James Monroe High School class of 1971. He was a warm friendly helpful person you always wanted the best for his students on their journey through life and assisted them in any way he could. He shall be missed but will always be remembered in the hearts of many of our students who loved and respected him.He was very influential in my life. ROBERT PERRICELLI
Q: How did you meet Alan?
A: Alan was my high school principal. He believed in me when I didn’t even believe in myself. When I found out that I was valedictorian he smiled and said “I knew you could do it”. He wrote me an amazing letter of recommendation for acceptance to Pace for undergrad. I turned down Pace and was so scared to tell Alan because I didn’t want to disappoint him, but he understood. Years later I decided to attend Pace for my second Masters in Educational Administration. Alan was the first person that I called when I was accepted into the program and the first person I called when I graduated with honors. He told me the same thing he said in high school. He also told me to never give up. He’s the reason I am the educator I am with my students. The impact that Alan has had on my life is immeasurable. Rest in peace Alan. You will be missed!!
When I arrived at RRGHST in ’92, my mother and I had a meeting with Don to discuss my future at the school, we were quickly directed to Alan Lentin, a large man in stature and personality. Dressed in a shirt, tie, loafers and suspenders, he commanded the room. He looked at my mother and said, “don’t worry, I’ll take care of your son.” That day, I knew I had a responsibility to ensure I made both of them proud. Like him, I had trouble in my previous school, so he understood my journey and placed me in his homeroom class.
Throughout the years, many of the students would recommend sports and clubs to their teachers and Alan would approve most of them. From softball, basketball, cheer, dance, chess, art and poetry. He believed in us and was a generous man, a leader, protector and it showed in everything he touched. I remember a group of us, meeting at Port Authority to hop on a bus out to his home in Montclair, NJ for a bbq. He made a few trips back and forth to shuttle our group out to his family’s home which he and his family made feel like our own.
I write this with my eyes full with tears and heaviest heart. This past weekend you came to me in my dreams and I thought it was weird, however, I realized you were just saying goodbye until we meet again. I love and miss you
Mark Chambers Class of ’95.
Down the shore with Uncle Alan and his admirers, especially cooking for everyone.
Like a Second Father…
With his charisma and wisdom, Alan could have been a Navy 4-star Admiral or a Wall St CEO. Instead of leading men in combat or making millions, Alan chose to lead students and teachers.
His impact on my life is incalculable. Without Alan, I would’ve attended an entirely different college, and my life would be unrecognizable by comparison.
31 years of friendship, yet we shared only 1 dinner together. It’s true… God always takes the good ones first.
His advice and leadership still guide my day-to-day decisions.
I could live another 3 lifetimes and still not match Alan’s contributions to this country.
Charles Mujahes
Class of ‘96
Alan could have been a Navy 4-star Admiral or a Wall St CEO. Instead of leading men in combat or
Dear Diane…Sorry to hear about your brother. My condolences. Barbara Haft
We have many great memories of “Uncle” Alan down in LBI. He loved cooking for every gathering and we would laugh because every meal consisted of a some type of balsamic reduction. He loved telling us about all his travels and one time we made a game that we had to drink every time he said the name of a city or country. No one went home sober that night! Thank you for the great stories and amazing food, you will be missed. With love, Wendy and Tina
My name is Elizabeth “Betsy” Ross and I was one of the fortunate teachers to join the faculty the year Alan started this dream school, Richard R. Green High School of Teaching. Alan’s theory of “everyone is equal” meant many wonderful, revolutionary things including students calling teachers and the Principal, Alan, by their first names, no bells, students were on traditional teacher committees and when a scuffle looked like it might break out, we were to say, “Friend!” He was an inspiration to us and the students and he was fun. God Bless you, Principal Alan Lentin.
and we spent those afternoons as intern
Alan was my colleague and friend at James Monroe High School. I then had the honor of being one of the educators who was blessed with being involved with Alan in the first years at the High School of Teaching! He was one of the most innovative and dedicated educators I knew. Educating our students to become thinking, caring, creative, and resourceful humans was always his goal. ALL of us taught at HST, no matter what our “title.” He always provided a safe space for educators to be innovators and for students to grow. My condolences to his family, friends, and to all the lives he touched. May your memory be a blessing, friend.
Annie Kreiswirth Brickel
Alan and I have been friends for over 50 years. One of my fondest memories is the times we played racquetball together. Alan and I were a doubles team and we won several events at the New Rochelle YMCA. We would play every Saturday at 9:00 am and would meet for breakfast of coffee, a toasted bagel and cream cheese.. We would spend a half hour talking and solving some of the world’s problems before we went to play. I know that l always looked forward to Saturdays to spend time with my good friend. You will always be missed by me and my wife.
Ira and Andrea Gelernter
Alan was more than just a principal, he was a father figure. He created a family atmosphere in his school. He was always in the hallways talking to his students or doing security.
During my senior year of high school my mother passed away and I was trying to figure our how to pay for my senior dues . We were selling adds for our yearbook and I asked Alan of he would buy an ad and he went even a step further and asked his wife , Roseanne. She enlisted the help of her colleagues and they bought a few pages for my yearbook! Then when I needed a job, he pointed me in the direction of his wife’s employer and they hired me! Problem solved. I worked there until I went to college that fall. I will always be grateful for his generosity with his students. RIP Alan.
Alan Lentin showed us how to be good people. A leader and a teacher, Alan inspired us not just to think outside the box but how to build new boxes. He believed in the power of the group but ironically without him the group would not exist. His charm, intellect and belief in the potential of every young person he met grew our community and shaped our culture. If you could teach your way out of a paper bag, you too could earn a spot on his team. So let’s for one more time adjourn the meeting to the bar and hoist our glasses high. To Alan, our founder and friend.
We’ll miss you Boss.
Professor Lentin was an amazing educator, person, and friend. As his student at Montclair State University from September 2021 to May 2022, I learned what it means to be a teacher, as well as the determination, work ethic, sense of humor, people skills, and passion for the students that he displayed each and every time we had class. No matter what we were learning about or talking about, Professor Lentin always knew how to add to the conversation, whether it was about education or something else.
I believe that I learned more from him during that school year than I did throughout my time at Montclair. He was a teacher, and he knew how to teach virtually anything. I am proud to say that I was one of his many students, and I will always carry my experiences in his class into my educational career and beyond.
Thank you Professor Lentin, for everything that you did for me and our class as a whole, as well as what you contributed to education throughout your life.
Thank you Alan for helping shape us during such formative years. High School was difficult but you made sure we were all taken care of.
Class of 2001
May your memory be of comfort to all who loved you dearly.
Q: How did you meet Alan?
A: He was one of the best principals and all around person. He will be missed. Richard R. Green High School of Teaching.
dear family
Q: What will you never forget about Alan?
A: Unfortunately, back then there wasn’t much time to get to know Alan better, yet in his short visit the long talks and his view on teaching and young people was very inspirational non the less. The one “core memory” I will take away from his several-days visit at our place in Austria, went down like this. It was about 5 years ago. We have spent all evening together talking about different things, mostly in a deep, almost philosophical way when the time came to get to bed. Alan wasn’t sleeping at our place so I took the car to drop him off at his hotel.
When we drove through the streets of Vienna, we overtook a long, white stretch limousine. At the time we were at about the same height as the Limousine, the nice, calm and elderly man next to me suddenly had a lot of life in him: he “jumped up”, pulled down the window and signed the people in the limousine to do the same. I tried to match the other cars speed and witnessed when Alan obviously switched his persona to “Party-Alan”. He almost jumped out of the car, when shouting “how are you doing?” to the (about) 10 young people obviously having a party in the car. Music and cheers reached our car, and he started “grooving” to the rhythm. Alan waved me to pull closer and and to my astonishment started giving high fives to those beautiful young people, began chatting with them. They where on something similar like a prom night and offered him a drink, and before our ways parted, he asked where they might be going afterwards so he can join them later… There he was, this ~70 year old man, suddenly being 25 again. It was still a while before we reached the hotel, but you couldn’t take his grin away and he wouldn’t stop telling how great young people are.
The incident might have been only a minute long, but this is one of the memories I want to remember Alan for. Keep Partying, wherever you are!
Alan worked with us at Hunter College for many years. He observed our aspiring school leaders in the Bronx. Alan cared a lot about these students and wanted them to be successful. He wrote lengthy descriptions of his observations for us but mostly for the student so that they could improve their leadership skills.
I remember Alan always smiling, always ready to help, and always talking about his travels and his daughters who he was so proud of. He will be greatly missed.