Obituary: Allan Irwin Scher

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Allan Irwin Scher — Eliyahu ben Avraham Wolf, 80, who left this world surrounded by his family. Allan was born in Richmond, Va., to William (z”l) and Mary Feldman Scher (z”l). He attended the Georgia Institute of Technology and was a member of Phi Epsilon Pi fraternity and the Georgia Tech Marching Band. During that time, he met Roberta, his wife of 56 years. He graduated from Georgia Tech in 1965 with honors and a degree in electrical engineering. He was immediately recruited by IBM and remained there for 35 years, progressing in roles from systems engineer to nationally recognized and awarded senior systems engineer, project manager and training lecturer until his retirement.

After retirement, Allan found a way to combine his love of technology and travel as a guest computer lecturer on Crystal Cruises, where he and his wife enjoyed traveling the world together for over 10 years.

Allan lived in Toco Hills, where he kept busy with his family, shul, Torah learning, and numerous volunteer projects. He helped local elementary school teachers and students with website development and tech support. He served as President of Beth Jacob Synagogue, Board Member and Treasurer of the New Brittany Homeowners Association, Board Member of Torah Day School of Atlanta, Beth Jacob Legacy Committee member, and Certified Emergency Team Responder.

Allan received the President’s Points of Light award for his volunteer services.

Allan was gifted with technical knowledge and expertise that he used to help anyone and everyone when they had computer or other technology issues.

Allan will be remembered by his quiet kindness, sense of humor, devotion to his friends and family, leadership, loyalty, humility, and dependability. We are grateful for the love, strength, stability, and wisdom he imparted to us all.

Allan is survived by his beloved wife, Roberta, children Marcy (Neil) Kalnitz of Atlanta, Andrea (Eric) Proser of Sandy Springs, and Rabbi Yitzchak Mitchell Scher (Aliza) of Silver Spring, Md. Zaydie is also survived and loved by 13 grandchildren: Samuel, Shira (Sam Wachtel) and Noah Kalnitz; Ian and Alexa Proser; Shaya, Sara, Rivka, Bracha, Tehilla, Levi, Malka, and Rina Scher; and great-granddaughter, Emunah Wachtel. He is remembered with love by his twin brother, Barry (Olga) Scher and brother-in-law, Helmut Petersiel, and by numerous nieces, nephews, dear family, and friends. He was preceded in death by his sister, Iris Petersiel (z”l).

Graveside services were held on Tuesday, April 4 at Crest Lawn Memorial Park with Rabbi Ilan Feldman officiating. Donations in Allan’s memory can be made to Beth Jacob Atlanta, Torah Day School of Atlanta, Atlanta Scholars Kollel, and Yeshiva of Greater Washington. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care.

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