Alan Saturn

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Alan Saturn

Date of Birth
01/31/1938
Date of Passing
6/10/2009
Place of Birth
Bronx, NY
Obituary
SATURN, AlanAttorney and owner of Saturn Title Services in Nashville, TN, died peacefully surrounded by his family at Alive Hospice at St. Thomas Hospital on June 10, 2009. The cause was complications due to multiple myeloma. He was 71. A vibrant member of Nashville's artistic and commercial communities, Alan was an energetic fundraiser for cancer research and an active participant in Jewish life. He will be remembered for his travel lust, food enthusiasm, art appreciation and devotion to his wide circle of friends and beloved family. Born in 1938 in the Bronx, NY to Sam and Sally Saturn, Alan's family moved to Nashville in 1948 to open the dress-manufacturing firm, Roberta Lee. He graduated from West End High School in 1955 and Vanderbilt University in 1959. After receiving a law degree from the University of Michigan in 1963, Alan kicked off his legal career in Washington, DC at the Federal Communications Commission. He was employed by the District of Columbia's Corporation Council's office until 1968, when he returned to Nashville to work for I.R. Shulman and Lewis Pride. Alan launched his own real estate law practice in Nashville in 1969. Assisted by Janet Davis, he continued to practice law until his death. A kind and gentle soul, Alan took seriously the charge that "to save a life is to save the world." He lovingly supported people in need, including new Americans and those who could not negotiate the legal system on their own. He vigorously supported organizations, including Legal Aid and the ACLU. As a man who treasured community, Alan was a driving force behind the legendary Whitland Avenue Fourth of July celebration, and reveled in lifelong support of the arts. With his wife Nancy, he was a true partner in the American Artisan craft gallery, and the "Festival in the Park", an annual event that has become a dynamic national force in the elevation of American Craft to fine art. Long before he was stricken, Alan and Nancy showed unwavering support for health and cancer organizations. Alan is survived by Nancy, his wife of 45 years; and his three daughters, Rachel (John Seymour), Jacqueline (Yigal Dakar), and Samantha (Steven Kravitz). He is also survived by his sister, Roberta Lasser and brother-in-law, Steven Lasser of Providence, RI; sister-in-law, Dr. Lori Adelson of Indianapolis, IN; as well as five adored grandchildren, Emma Seymour, 9; Nathan Seymour, 7; Alanah Dakar, 5; Leora Dakar, 2; and Zander Kravitz, 10 months. Deep appreciation is offered to Alan's team of doctors at Vanderbilt, led by Dr. John Greer in the clinic, and the following team in the hospital: Dr(s). Rick Stein, Steve Dummer, Robert Abraham, Lisa Mendes and Mohana Karlekar. The funeral will take place at The West End Synagogue, 3810 West End Avenue on Friday, June 12, 2009 at 1 p.m. Burial will follow the service. Pallbearers are Sheldon Adelson, Joe Barker, Frank Boehm, Matt Breyer, Yigal Dakar, Steven Kravitz, Steven Lasser, Ashley Ross, John Seymour, Max Shaff and Howard Stringer. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Alan's memory to Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, Alive Hospice, Gilda's Club of Nashville or The West End Synagogue. MARSHALL DONNELLY COMBS, (615) 327-1111.