Alan J. Woolfson, 66, longtime resident of Milford, NH, left earth in the early hours of January 22, 2021 at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born in Durban, South Africa on December 20, 1954, a son of Joshua and Josephine (Hairman) Woolfson. Alan was raised and educated in South Africa and served in the South African Navy as a lieutenant. He emigrated to America with his wife, Roberta and two daughters, Lara and Belinda, and has called Milford home for the last 33 years. He was an Electronic Engineer and Co-Owner of Monarch Instruments in Amherst, NH during that time.

Alan touched many lives, and was generous with both his time and money, supporting organizations in town such as the Boys and Girls club where he was a member and president of the Board of Directors, Milford Do-it Committee, the Pumpkin Festival and was a member of the Milford School Board.

Alan received several awards, he was the recipient of The Citizen of the Year award from the town of Milford, Business Leader of the year award from Souhegan Valley Chamber of Commerce, and the Lew Dokmo Child Champion award from the Souhegan Valley Boys and Girls club.

Alan was a devoted husband to his wife Roberta for 45 years, and proud father to his two daughters, Lara + Belinda; coaching soccer, attending performances from theater to dance, and championing them both as entrepreneurs.

Alan was known and loved for his quick wit and mischievous sense of humor that evoked both belly laugh and eye roll. He was an amazing cook, famous for his pumpkin and mushroom soups at holiday parties, manning the barbecue at work events, and perfecting and drying his own South African biltong (jerky).

Alan was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in July of 2018. With 3-6 months to live, he took on the disease with focus, precision and the stubborn optimism that Alan was known for. With his sense of humor and joie de vivre, in collaboration with doctors and alternative practices, he far surpassed any and all timelines given to patients with similar diagnoses.

His grace throughout the battle was an inspiration to his family and friends, and the lessons learned on how to live a full and loving life will be carried forward by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

His family wants to thank the friends and community who rallied around Alan during the last two and a half years. Your cards, messages, meals and outpouring of love mean more than could ever be expressed.

Services are private. Donations in Alan’s memory may be made to https://www.sharenh.org/. Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford, NH. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please go to www.smith-heald.com.