Alan W. Messer ’56 died on September 18, 2024, in Sarasota, Florida.
(The following was provided by Baldwin Brothers Funerals & Cremation Society – Sarasota in September 18, 2024:)
Alan W. Messer ’56
Alan Messer, a distinguished entrepreneur, tennis player & official and bridge champion, passed away peacefully in Sarasota, Florida, on September 18, 2024. He was 89. Born on October 13, 1934, in Montclair, New Jersey, Alan lived a life full of achievement and adventure, contributing greatly to the world of health care, computing, tennis, and bridge.
Alan attended high school at Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts, before being accepted to Bowdoin College in 1951, where he played tennis and varsity hockey. In 1954, he left college to join the U.S. Army, serving a tour of duty in Japan. Upon his return, he completed his studies and graduated with a degree in mathematics in 1956.
He charted an early career in computing and data management when punch cards and reel-to-reel tape memory were standard, working for a succession of companies in insurance and communications. He set up the tabulation systems for CBS to report on the 1976 presidential election.
Alan founded Data Counsel, Inc. (DCI), a company that developed software solutions for home care and hospice providers. DCI grew to become the country’s largest supplier of hospice software before it was acquired in 1999.
Alan’s tennis career, both as a player and an official, spanned over six decades. He served as an umpire and referee at major tournaments, including the U.S. Open from 1970 to 1986. In 1978, he was the chair umpire for the men’s doubles final and played a pivotal role in professionalizing tennis officiating. He co-founded the New Jersey Tennis Officials in the early 1980s, providing umpiring services to men’s and women’s pro tournaments in northern New Jersey. Alan also served as a referee for prestigious tournaments, including the USTA Men’s 75 & 80 Grass Court Championships and the Morristown Category II tournament, which he officiated until 2014. In 2019, Alan was honored by the National Senior Men’s Tennis Association, which named a perpetual trophy in his honor at their annual doubles tournament.
He was also an accomplished tennis player and was the champion of the Montclair Town Tournament. He remained active in senior tennis tournaments well into his later years, ranking as high as #1 in the Midwest and #9 nationally before retiring due to physical challenges in 2015.
Alan was very proud when he was able to use his software design skills to create a website for senior tennis players. For two decades supersenior.info has kept senior players informed about tournaments, rankings, and tennis news and remains active to this day.
In addition to his tennis achievements, Alan was an accomplished bridge player, earning national and regional titles. He served as the tournament director for various prestigious events, including the Eastern States Regional Bridge Tournament.
Alan always looked for ways of contributing to his community, from serving as the Cubmaster of Pack 5 in Montclair as a young father to volunteering for the Service Corps of Retired Executives and serving on the boards of three non-profit organizations.
He loved opera, jazz, classical music, Broadway, the ocean, cerebral movies, spy novels, dogs, and cats. He was also a beloved husband, father and grandfather, serving as the patriarch of his family. His zeal for life and determination to always do his best was inspiring to all of his family members.
Alan Messer is survived by his wife, Geraldine Messer, his sister Suzy Abuza, his children, Geoff Messer (Danna), Nicholas Messer, and Diana Messer-Kruse (Timothy), six grandchildren, Dylan, Griffin, Cody, Emmett, Connor, and Owen, and four great-grandchildren, as well as nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Robert Messer and Lucy Messer, and his siblings David Messer and Judith Slade.
Alan will be remembered for his sharp intellect, competitive spirit, and the indelible mark he left on his loved ones and the worlds of tennis and bridge. He leaves behind a legacy of professionalism, passion, and perseverance and will be deeply missed.