Obituary of Alan R. Florin

Alan “Al” Florin, 89, of Morris Plains, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on April 1, 2026, surrounded by his family. Born June 16, 1936, in Morris Plains, he spent his entire life devoted to the community he loved and served.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 65 years, Ann Florin; his parents, Robert and Mabel Florin; and his sisters, Elaine Masterson, Roberta Austin, and Gail Horning.

He is survived by his six children, 20 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren: Tim (Alicia) Florin of Morristown, NJ with Derek, Alex, Emma, Julia; Eileen (Michael) Mueseler of Greensburg, PA with Sean (Lydia) and Stephen (Kelly); Ginny (Rich) Hussey of Morris Plains, NJ with Richie and Nick (Jennifer); Dan (Kelly) Florin of Granger, IN with Dan (Nicole), Brittany (Brian), Kristen (Bill), Fr. Brian, Kaitlyn (Aidan), Michael and Anna; Diane (Jim) O’Donnell of Prairieville, LA with Michael, Alan, and Sean; and Dawn Bruhn of Morris Plains, NJ with Megan and Erin; and great-grandchildren Daniel, Colleen, Patrick, Niya, Isaiah, Jayce, Josiah, Andrew, Tommy, Gemma, Johnny, William, Kolbe, Dominic, Silas, Leah, and Vivienne.

Al graduated from Bayley Ellard High School in 1954 and earned a Bachelor of Science in  Business from the University of Notre Dame in 1958. He remained active in both the Notre Dame Alumni Club of North Jersey and The Bayley Ellard Alumni throughout most of his life. He served in the Army National Guard from 1958 to 1962 while pursuing several roles in private accounting and finance. Starting in 1967, Al began  a distinguished and successful 50-year career as a financial advisor at Merrill Lynch in Morristown, NJ. Alan built enduring relationships with countless clients, always prioritizing their best interests and earning their trust and respect.

A pillar of the Morris Plains community, Alan served 68 years as a volunteer firefighter with the Morris Plains Volunteer Fire Department, including holding the title of Chief. He also served as Planning Board and Council Member, then Mayor of the town from 1983-1986. Al was a Trustee of the Morris Plains Library Association  and the Morris Plains Republican Club. He served on the board of Cheshire Home, was a member of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, a founding “Shamrock 4” member, and helped bring both the Morris County St. Patrick’s Day Parade and First Night of Morris County to Morristown. Al served as President of the 200 Club of Morris County from 1994-1995, and was deeply involved in numerous committees. He took particular pride in his work with the 200 Club Scholarship Award Committee helping children of first responders to pursue their goals upon high school graduation. Through his dedication, he supported the Club’s mission of assisting firefighters, police officers, EMT’s, NJ State Police Troopers, Office of Emergency Management personnel and Federal Law Enforcement officers residing in Morris County. 

Al loved sports, especially baseball, which he both played and later coached while leading his sons’ Little League teams. One of his favorite pastimes was cheering on the Notre Dame “Fighting Irish” football team both at home and in South Bend, IN.  He also treasured time spent traveling cross country with his family in their pop-up camper and summers on Long Beach Island. 

His Catholic faith was central to his life, and he was an active member of St. Virgil’s Church in Morris Plains, St. Joseph’s Church in Mendham, and Assumption Church in Morristown. 

Al’s legacy is a powerful testament to the value of hard work and a lifelong dedication to volunteerism. He leaves behind a footprint of service and commitment to his community. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him. 

Visiting hours will be held Friday, April 10, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Dangler Funeral Home, 600 Speedwell Avenue, Morris Plains, NJ. (*A steady flow throughout the Funeral Home will ensure all guests time to pay their respects.) A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 10:00 AM at St. Virgil Church, 250 Speedwell Avenue, Morris Plains, NJ, followed by interment at Holy Rood Cemetery in Morristown, NJ. (**Funeral Mass will be livestreamed. Click back here for link closer to the date https://www.njstreaming.com/alan-florin). 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The 200 Club of Morris County for the establishment of scholarships in Al's memory. The annual scholarship program is open to high school seniors who are dependents of first responders or they themselves volunteer as a first aid squad department member or as a fire department member in Morris County (Donation Form).