PORTLAND — Albert Brenner Glickman, 79, died peacefully April 27.
He was known as a family man, philanthropist and business leader.
Born in Portland, Glickman was raised by his widowed mother Mildred Brenner. Brenner later married Joe Glickman and the family moved to California.
Glickman’s greatest love was his wife Judy. They met at UCLA, where Glickman was close friends with her brother Richard, and he skillfully wooed her away from all other suitors. Glickman and his wife were partners in life, family, travel and tennis. They were married for 54 years of romance and laughter, loyalty and love.
Glickman eschewed the practice of law to become a real estate broker. Soon he established his own company pioneering the community shopping center. He built islands of retail in towns throughout California and the west. The idea and the company flourished.
He had a great zeal for life. He enjoyed traveling the world, sunset cruising on his boat L’Chaim and skiing from the top of the mountain to the bottom without stopping. Through extraordinary charm and chutzpah, Glickman convinced the staff at Aspen Mountain to allow him to ride up in the gondola each morning before the mountain opened. For years, he and four friends would enjoy the first tracks down the mountain.
Wherever he lived, Glickman was always surrounded by friends. His magnetism was contagious while family and friends flocked to his side. Because of his sincerity, caring and insights, many people considered him their best friend.
Glickman loved action and cherished being an insider among decision-makers. He was a friend and adviser to presidents, senators and governors.
Dedicated to his community, he had a tremendous impact on dozens of boards of charities, universities, hospitals and museums including Cedars Sinai Hospital, Federal Home Loan Bank Board of Boston, the Jewish Community Alliance, the Kennedy Center, Maine Public Broadcasting Network, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles, the Portland Museum of Art, the Portland Symphony, Spring Harbor Hospital, Spurwink School, UCLA, the University of Maine System, the University of New England and the University of Southern Maine.
As a leader in the Michael J. Fox Foundation, Glickman focused his energies and resources in the pursuit of finding a cure for Parkinson’s disease, knowing the benefit was for future generations, not himself.
His accomplishments notwithstanding, family was always his highest priority. He prided himself on being home for dinner with the family every night. He created a family retreat on Great Diamond Island where his kids and grandchildren reunite every summer.
From humble beginnings, Glickman created a life that was extraordinary. He leaves a legacy of generosity and goodness.
His family, friends and community will forever feel blessed.
He is survived by his children, Jeff and Mindy, Tigraw, David and Paige, and Brenner and Elaine; his grandchildren, Seth, Evan, Hanna, Naomi, Micah, Ilana, Tal, Gurion, Bronte, Anna, Natalia, Ellis, Riley, Gavin, Zander, Mo, Leo, and Eden; his brother, Bob; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
The funeral service for Glickman was scheduled for 9 a.m. Wednesday at Temple Beth El, 400 Deering Ave., Portland.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that those willing support the The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, care of Grand Central Station, P.O. Box 4777, New York, NY 10163-4777
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