Al Green, a past owner of the Bay Pharmacy in Pacific Palisades, passed away on October 19. He was 95.
Albert Greenberg was born on September 26, 1925, in Los Angeles and raised in Boyle Heights, where he was a Breed Street Shul congregant. He attended Roosevelt High and then the USC School of Pharmacy.
A Circling the News reader wrote, “Al’s history is one that Jews in Los Angeles know very well. The Breed Street Shul is a Boyle Heights landmark. Roosevelt High in Boyle Heights was where a lot of Jewish kids went during the Depression.”
Al became a lifelong Trojan, never missing a football game. He married Betsy in 1954 and they were a loving couple until she passed away in 2018.
Al opened several pharmacies throughout California and was owner/pharmacist of the Bay Pharmacy (now Pharmaca), for more than 20 years until his retirement at age 80.
He was a hands-on dad. His kids remember that he would surprise them with an early school pick-up for their doctor appointments, which was “code” for an afternoon at the Hollywood Park racetrack. Sunday mornings were spent at Ollie Hammond’s Steak House on La Cienaga, and then dad would take the kids to the Beverlywood park and pony rides.
Al loved to spend summers in Coronado with family and friends, Christmas in Puerto Vallarta, and Easters in Palm Springs.
He remained close to his childhood friends, while cultivating new friendships with people in Ladera Heights, Brentwood and Pacific Palisades.
He was a lifelong, winning poker player, who played two evenings a week. His family said his greatest strength was being a consummate listener who made all who knew him feel special.
Al leaves behind his children, Cathi (Randy Bratton), Stacy (Bruce Kirshbaum), Kelly (Greg Koffman) and Garth Adam (Susan Rosenthal), along with Brad Dechter (Sherie); his grandchildren Kyle, Beau, Corey (Brad King), Logan, Griffin, Spencer, Chase, Gavin, Carson and Haley; and his great-grandson Benji Green King.
A private graveside service for family will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to a charity of your choice or Providence Trinity Care Hospice Foundation (give.providence.org/Trinity/).
Al was one of the most kind men I have ever met. Andrea Bell
What a wonderful individual Al was. I met Al in Rotary. We were both members of the Rotary Club of Pacific Palisades. He always had a terrific smile and was always ready to help with Rotary projects.
Thank you for the wonderful kind article about my father. My dad loved the Palisades and the relationships he made over the years at Bay Pharmacy. It means so much to me and my siblings that he is so fondly remembered.
RIP, Al. You’re dancing with Betsy again.