Alan Zimmerman died of cancer on 16 February 2009, at the age of 59. He was the owner of New York City bookstore Science Fiction, Mysteries, and More, which lived on Chambers Street on the west side.
Beyond bookselling, Zimmerman was a political campaign manager and, according to The Flacks Report, “one of the masters of the art of petitioning.” He was active in New York City Reform Democratic politics, as well as an environmentalist. “Zimmerman had an extraordinary record in campaigning in that no candidate whose petitions he was responsible for was ever thrown off the ballot.”
He lived in Plainfield, New Jersey, and was survived by his wife Jane Schwartz, his mother Barbara, and other relatives. Two hundred people attended the funeral on 18 February 2009.
SFScope apologizes for missing his death when it occurred.
Oh, man, Alan Zimmerman passed away?
He was a good, smart, witty guy. Back when I was in high school I frequently used to visit his book shop after school, along with a number of other regular patrons from my high school. It was always a pleasure talking with him.
I hadn’t seen him since the shop had to close (due to skyrocketing rent, if I remember correctly), but I always remembered him (and the shop he ran) fondly.
Just now, I thought to google him because a conversation reminded me of him, and was dismayed to discover this and other online obituaries. I’m quite saddened to hear that he passed away.