Obituary for Al G. Eisman
Al Gene Eisman, 91, passed peacefully of Parkinson’s at home in San Diego on May 22, 2021.
He is survived by Naomi, his beloved wife of 56 years; his children Billy and R’nelle; stepchildren Jackie, Joel, and Daryl; 8 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren.
Al was deeply loving and devoted father and grandfather. With his intelligence, low-key style, clever sense of humor, and affectionate pet names for people, he had great friends around the country and was a respected, well-liked businessman.
He was generous with his family, as well as his business family. With a big heart, Al was always ready to give a helping hand or even a job to a friend or relative in need.
Born June 10, 1929 in Chicago, Al was raised in St. Louis and LA with parents Adolph and Dorothy and sister Elaine. He lived most of his life on the West Coast, graduating from Fairfax High School in LA. Later during the Korean War, he served two years in the Army.
After marrying Naomi—also a St. Louis native—the couple eventually moved from LA to San Diego in 1965 where they continued raising their five children and traveling extensively across the globe.
Al was truly a self-made man. Through his creativity, natural smarts, work ethic, negotiating skills, and ability to attract talented people who enjoyed working with him, he became a swimming pool-industry superstar.
In the 1960’s and 1970’s, he owned Sunset, growing it into America’s third-largest pool builder. In 1980, he took over Blue Haven Pools, expanding it into the world’s largest pool-construction operation with offices coast to coast.
Many credit Al as a mentor who assisted in advancing their careers. Along with helping create jobs, he provided financial support so some employees could ultimately own their own Blue Haven business.
Indeed, when reflecting on what he was most proud of, Al said—in his classic, unassuming demeanor—“I like to think I helped a lot of people.”
Al also invested in San Diego residential and commercial real estate. An early booster of Downtown’s revitalization, his redevelopment efforts included rehabbing a building on Broadway in 1977 and on C Street in 1988.
Al loved horseracing. Over many years, he co-owned a string of thoroughbreds with close friends Bill & Betty Currin. Their contenders ran in major races from Del Mar to Dubai, including the 2003 and 2007 Kentucky Derby.
In lieu of flowers, his wife suggests donations in Al’s memory to Ohr Shalom Temple.
He is survived by Naomi, his beloved wife of 56 years; his children Billy and R’nelle; stepchildren Jackie, Joel, and Daryl; 8 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren.
Al was deeply loving and devoted father and grandfather. With his intelligence, low-key style, clever sense of humor, and affectionate pet names for people, he had great friends around the country and was a respected, well-liked businessman.
He was generous with his family, as well as his business family. With a big heart, Al was always ready to give a helping hand or even a job to a friend or relative in need.
Born June 10, 1929 in Chicago, Al was raised in St. Louis and LA with parents Adolph and Dorothy and sister Elaine. He lived most of his life on the West Coast, graduating from Fairfax High School in LA. Later during the Korean War, he served two years in the Army.
After marrying Naomi—also a St. Louis native—the couple eventually moved from LA to San Diego in 1965 where they continued raising their five children and traveling extensively across the globe.
Al was truly a self-made man. Through his creativity, natural smarts, work ethic, negotiating skills, and ability to attract talented people who enjoyed working with him, he became a swimming pool-industry superstar.
In the 1960’s and 1970’s, he owned Sunset, growing it into America’s third-largest pool builder. In 1980, he took over Blue Haven Pools, expanding it into the world’s largest pool-construction operation with offices coast to coast.
Many credit Al as a mentor who assisted in advancing their careers. Along with helping create jobs, he provided financial support so some employees could ultimately own their own Blue Haven business.
Indeed, when reflecting on what he was most proud of, Al said—in his classic, unassuming demeanor—“I like to think I helped a lot of people.”
Al also invested in San Diego residential and commercial real estate. An early booster of Downtown’s revitalization, his redevelopment efforts included rehabbing a building on Broadway in 1977 and on C Street in 1988.
Al loved horseracing. Over many years, he co-owned a string of thoroughbreds with close friends Bill & Betty Currin. Their contenders ran in major races from Del Mar to Dubai, including the 2003 and 2007 Kentucky Derby.
In lieu of flowers, his wife suggests donations in Al’s memory to Ohr Shalom Temple.