Alvin L. Salzman died peacefully in his home in Fairfield, Vt., on May 16, 2026, surrounded by his wife and two sons. He was 92.
Al was born in Brooklyn on October 13, 1933, to Sidney and Jean Salzman. He lead a creative and colorful life, engaging his many talents and passions. He was an artist, teacher, builder, poet, musician and actor. He was a loving father and husband and a great friend and neighbor.
Having graduated from the School of Music and Art in New York City, Al attended the Cooper Union (art college) and received a master’s in art education from SUNY New Paltz. He met his wife, Gail, in New York City, and they were married in 1968. They had two sons and moved to Vermont with their young family in 1972.
Al found his professional calling as a teacher. He taught at-risk youths in the Upward Bound program in New York City, was a lecturer in art history and education at Johnson State College, and, most notably, headed the art department at St. Albans City Elementary School for 18 years. He believed that art and music were essential school subjects, not peripheral “activities.” He encouraged unrestrained expression and loved to see children discover the freedom to be themselves. He was known to smear charcoal on his own face to demonstrate to the kids how messiness is not only acceptable but a fun part of the process. Even years later, he was approached by former students who lives were changed by his art class.
His own artistic work was wide-ranging and prolific. He illustrated and penned a children’s alphabet book and created an extensive series of large paintings depicting the human condition in many states. Upon retirement, he completed a series of huge canvas murals communicating uncompromising critiques of the political status quo and human rights issues, which were shown during the Burlington Art Hop on several occasions.
An enthusiastic fan of the performing arts, he acted in many plays, including Mamet’s Speed-the-Plow and Glengarry Glen Ross, Athol Fugard’s The Blood Knot, and several of local playwright Steve Goldberg’s productions.
Al had a deep love for classical music and could name a piece within the first couple of notes. He also played guitar and sang and most enjoyed traditional folk, blues, and peace and justice anthems.
He was a voracious reader. At gatherings he would often spontaneously recite passages from Shakespeare and other writers. He held several public readings of his own poetry and prose and attended a monthly poetry group in Franklin County.
Political comment and cartoons — both officially and unofficially published — were a constant activity throughout his life. The cartoons — with their eloquent and biting accompanying text — were sent weekly to a large email list, including lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.
His letters to the editor were known for their harsh criticism of policy and politicians and marked by their frank truth-telling on behalf of working people.
Fiercely anti-war and passionate about justice, Al was an energetic communicator, often mixing his tenacity and intensity with humor and a twinkle in his eye.
Above all, Al thrived on the day-to-day interactions with his family and community. Driving his sons to school, he would tell exciting tales of mythical creatures. Whoever crossed his path was a human being he wanted to engage. A simple life was where he found meaning; moving from New York City to rural Vermont, building his own home, and surrounding himself with a cherished family and community were truly his life’s work.
Al is survived by wife Gail and sons Jonah and Eli, and he will also be missed by a large extended family. He was predeceased by brothers Neil Salzman and Leonard Salzman.
The family would like to thank Bayada Hospice for their loving care.