Allan Geschwind, 70, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, died at Erlanger Hospital in the early hours of October 20, 2013, from complications of mesothelioma. He died peacefully surrounded by his family and close friend, Christine Buhr.
He is survived by his loving wife, Bettina, and daughters, Elyssa Helene and Madeleine Ilana, and son-in-law, Kevin Schnell and many friends.
Allan was born and raised in Bronx, N.Y. He graduated from Performing Arts High School where he played the bassoon. He attended college at NYU Uptown and received his law degree from St. John’s University. Later in life, he studied music at Juilliard with Kendal Briggs as his mentor.
Allan spent his life focused on community, and used his law practice to enable others to overcome hardships and difficulties. Allan was always focused on helping others and had a long and varied career in civil rights, intellectual property, and estate planning. t the time of his death, he was a board member of the Chattanooga Choral Society for the Preservation of African Song, and a long-time member of the Lookout Rowing Club, along with a member of the Chattanooga Pipe Club.
Allan was a loving husband and father and an active member of his community. He enjoyed playing the piano, cooking & baking, the outdoors, reading, and especially, learning. His death leaves a great hole in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be greatly missed.
Graveside services will be on Tuesday, Oct. 22, at 3 p.m., at the B’Nai Zion Cemetery in Red Bank, with Rabbi Susan Tendler officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent in Allan’s honor to Chattanooga Cares.
Arrangements are by Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services Franklin-Strickland-Pinkard, Bryan-Smith Funeral Directors, 1724 McCallie Ave., Chattanooga, Tn. 37404.