On April 13, Cantor Alvin Donald passed away from the effects of a
coronavirus infection. Born and raised in Baltimore, he was a graduate of the Baltimore City College and the Ner Israel Rabbinical College. After enlisting in the Navy during World War II as soon as he was 17 and completing boot camp, he was assigned to the Bainbridge Naval Station. He later became cantor for Temple Emanuel in Randallstown,
sharing religious leadership with Rabbi Gus Buchdahl. After several decades of service, he retired and became the temple’s cantor emeritus. In addition to these performances, he was always willing to perform marriages, baby-namings, funerals, and other requested services for families needing an officiant, regardless of their race or religious beliefs. He was first married to the late Frances Broth, also of Baltimore. Their children Mark Donald (Sharon) of Lakeland, Fla., and Karen (Donald) Hesse (Randy) of
Brattleboro, Vt., were in close contact with him throughout his later years. He later married Geraldine (Geri) Abarbanel Axelman, whose daughter Joyce (Axelman)
Franklin (Ray) also became his daughter. They were married more than 50 years. Joyce’s children Stacey and Jake Holland were wonderful grandchildren throughout those years.
In addition to his wife and children, Donald is also survived by his granddaughter Briana (Donald) Boston (Daniel) of Lakeland, Fla.; great-grandchildren Asher, Calder, and Falkner Boston; grandchildren
Kate Hesse and Rachel (Hesse) Johnson (Matt); and great-grandson Aidan Johnson.
Contributions may be sent to American Friends of Magen David Adom, 352 Seventh
Avenue, Suite 400, New York, NY 10001.
