Sarasota WWII Coast Guard Veteran to Celebrate 100th Birthday in August

A Life of Service and Resilience

Alvin “Al” Seidman joined the U.S. Coast Guard after graduating high school in 1944, driven by a friend’s suggestion that boot camp was just a short subway ride from his East New York home in Brooklyn. His decision to join the Coast Guard instead of the Army came during a physical evaluation, where he asked how he could switch. The officer reviewed his documents, made a note, and directed him to a different part of the hall with seven others. That day, eight of them were inducted into the Coast Guard, marking the start of Seidman’s journey.

Now turning 100 on August 16, Seidman resides in Arietta, a 55-and-older community in Sarasota. The community is planning a celebration for him on August 28, featuring cake and music from Frank Sinatra, a performer Seidman saw twice as a teenager at the Paramount Theater. However, his main birthday event will be aboard the USS Constellation, a 171-year-old museum ship moored in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. This location holds special significance as it is near the Coast Guard Cutter 37, the ship on which he served during World War II.

About 60 people, including his three children, are expected to attend the party on the Constellation. Seidman mentioned that the ship can accommodate more guests than the USCG Roger B. Taney, the original name of the ship he served on during both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. He also shared that there will be a cannon salute when the candles are blown out, despite never having been aboard the Constellation, which was built in 1854 using some materials from the Frigate USS Constellation.

Early Life During the Great Depression

Seidman grew up during the Great Depression, a time of hardship that shaped his early years. When he was five, his father, Louis Seidman, had to give away their family dog, Babe, due to financial constraints. The family could not afford to feed both the dog and the newborn sister, Edith. Al, who loved Babe, was heartbroken but understood the necessity of the decision.

As a teenager, Seidman met Shirley, the girl across the street, whose friend introduced her to him. At 15, he fell in love, and they became serious before he left for the service. After returning in 1946, they married in 1947, starting a life together that would span over 70 years.

Serving in World War II

After completing his training, Seidman served as a bosun aboard the USCG Roger B. Taney, participating in two key missions escorting convoys to Africa as part of Task Force 66. Following this, the Taney was converted into an amphibious command ship and later deployed to Pearl Harbor in 1945. During the battle of Okinawa, the Taney faced numerous air raids and gunners on board managed to shoot down four kamikaze planes. The ship also monitored communications and tracked aircraft using radar.

Seidman recalled the intense experience of being in general quarters multiple times, with crews working for up to nine hours at a time. Despite the dangers, the crew survived due to rigorous training, which made their actions second nature. They never suffered any damage, and the Taney remained operational until the war ended.

Postwar Career and Family Life

After the war, Seidman returned home and began his career as an electrician, following in his father’s footsteps. His father, a member of Local 3 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, encouraged him to pursue college, but Seidman opted for an apprenticeship instead. He worked for 40 years before retiring in 1987.

He and Shirley lived in Brooklyn for eight years before moving to Garden City South on Long Island, where they raised their three children—Richie, Bobby, and Susan. The family eventually downsized, first to a condo in the area and later to a place on Longboat Key, where Susan and her husband had a home. In 2008, Seidman moved to Arietta, where he found a vibrant community filled with friendly neighbors.

A New Hobby and Daily Routine

Despite never picking up any hobbies growing up, Seidman discovered a passion for baking. While helping his daughter Susan with a recipe for chocolate chip muffins, he found a new joy in creating batches of two dozen twice a week. He gives most of them away, earning the nickname “The Muffin Man” among residents. He also bakes for the Arietta kitchen, where the muffins are available to all.

In addition to baking, Seidman maintains a strict fitness routine, working out three times a week at the Arietta gym, often at 3 a.m. to have the space to himself. Though he can no longer lift heavy objects due to a shoulder injury, he continues to stay active and independent.

Reflections on a Long Life

When asked about the secret to his longevity, Seidman credited his dedication to exercise and the love of his life, Shirley. He emphasized that he had a wonderful 70 years with her, noting that her healthy cooking played a role in his long life. Although he admitted he might have gone to college if given the chance, he expressed no regrets about his life choices.

Seidman’s story is one of resilience, service, and joy, a testament to the strength of character that has carried him through decades of challenges and triumphs.