Alvy West (born Alvin Weisfeld), a noted musician, long-time resident of Sea Gate and a familiar presence on the Coney Island boardwalk died on November 30, 2012 at the age of 97. He is survived by four children, John, Sara Jo, Barbara and Jim, three grandchildren and five great grandchildren. He was married to his late wife Kittie for over fifty years. Alvy West is the uncle of the late Jerome Albert, former owner of Astroland Park and co-founder of the Coney Island History Project. Coney Island residents were thrilled the year Alvy West volunteered himself and his band for one of the Cyclone's Opening Days.
Alvy was an accomplished alto sax player, composer, arranger and conductor of note who worked with some of the greats of the music industry including Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday, and Anita O'Day and was the musical director for Andy Williams and other television shows. In his early years, he toured with the Paul Whiteman Orchestra and then led his own combo, the Little Band, which a Billboard review said more than lived up to its advance praise when they played at the Hotel Edison’s Green Room: “The group’s new sound is built around the delicate tone of the maestro’s alto sax, which aside from the occasional solo flights, predominately weaves unison melodies with one or more of the other six guys in the band. The end product sound is full but far more distinctive than that put out by many full-size orks [orchestras].” Alvy's musical legacy is being carried out by his son Jim West, a noted jazz pianist.
A private funeral service for family was held Monday, December 3, 2012. The date and time for a memorial celebration of Alvy's life for family and friends will be announced at a future time.
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