Alvin J. Rockoff, longtime community and business leader passed away at home in New Brunswick on October 27 at the age of 84. Born in New Brunswick, he was a member of the Rutgers College class of 1949. His dedication and service to the city and the university continued throughout his life. One of the only four individuals in Rutgers' history to chair all three governing bodies (Board of Governors, Board of Trustees and Board of Overseers), he was named Trustee Eneritus [sic] in 1994 and Overseer Emeritus in 2004. He was instrumental in establishing the Allen and Joan Bildner Center for the Study of Jewish Life, and an enthusiastic supporter of Rutgers athletics. He was honored by Rutgers with membership in the Hall of Distinguished Alumni, the Alumni Federation's Meritorious Service Award and selection as a Loyal Son of Rutgers; and in 1994 was awarded a Doctor of Human Letters. In 2005, in recognition of his long association with the university and the New Brunswick Development Corporation, Rockoff Hall was named in his honor. His business career included serving as secretary and director of All Star Dairies, a company founded by his father as Middlesex Farm Dairy in the 1920s; and president and director of the Hubbard's Cupboards, a family owned convenience store chain. He was president and trustee of the New Jersey Milk Industry Association, trustee of the New Jersey Food Council, director of the New Jersey Convenience Store Association and board member of the American Management Association. His leadership positions in major Jewish organizations included member of the National Campaign Cabinet for Israel Bonds, member and former National Commissioner, National Anti-Defamation League; member, New Jersey Israel Commission; president of the New Jersey Anti-Defamation League and the Greater Middlesex County Jewish Federation; and trustee of the United Israel Appeal International. In 1988 he received the Torch of Liberty Award from the Anti-Defamation League. He was also a Trustee of St. Peter's Medical Center in New Brunswick, receiving its McCarrick Award in 1994; and a member of the New Jersey Advisory Board of the United States Commission of Civil Rights.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years Ruth Feld Rockoff; daughter and son-in-law Susan and Frederic Bear; son and daughter-in-law David and Linda Rockoff; son and daughter-in-law Jerry and Laurie Rockoff; adored grandfather of Adam and Lori Rockoff; Julie and Brian Schaeffer; Jordan and Michael Bear; and Zachary and Max Rockoff; and great-grandfather of Noah and Hailey Rockoff; and Jacob and Ben Schaeffer. Mr. Rockoff was predeceased by his parents Louis and Rose Rockoff; brother Daniel Rockoff and sister Helen Pritz.

Memorial donations to the Rutgers University Foundation, Alzheimer's Association or charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated. Services will be held today, October 30, 2001 at 1:00 pm at the Highland Park Conservative Temple-Congregation Anshe Emeth, South Third and Benner Streets, Highland Park, NJ. Interment will follow at Mt. Lebanon Cemetery, Iselin. Arrangements are by the Crabiel Parkwest Funeral Chapel 239 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick.

Published in Home News Tribune (New Brunswick, NJ) on October 31, 2011.