Alan William Croom was born on April 18, 1944, to the late Joyce Yates Croom and William Edward Croom.  He grew up on E. 101^st and Cedar.  He attended Cleveland Public Schools: Bolton Elementary, Rawlings Junior High School and was a proud graduate of East Technical High School, class of 1962.  Alan accepted Christ at age 12 and was baptized at Antioch Baptist Church. 

He attended Cleveland Technical Institute and Cuyahoga Community College before enlisting in the United States Army in 1966.  While in the Army, he was deployed to Korea and Germany.  Alan was fascinated by the cultural aspects of both countries, where daily life was led by simplicity and humility.  He often spoke of returning to those two countries to embrace the impact of their cultures once again. He received an Honorable Discharge from the United States Army on February 17, 1972.

After his time in the military, Alan returned to Cuyahoga Community College and received an Associate of Science Degree.  While working in a full-time position at Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company (CEI) as an Engineering Aide, he continued his education at Cleveland State University. He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering.  He was promoted to Electrical Engineer and later became a Section Leader and spearheaded many engineering projects for the company.  Alan retired from CEI, in May 2005.

Alan’s curiosity with technology began as a youngster.  Anything that involved electricity fascinated him.  He tinkered with radios, t.v.’s, stereo equipment, and computers. His mother once said, “He was always the child who asked why”, and then gave his opinion in answer.  As a child, he mixed some household the products that created an explosion.  As an adult, he continued his mixology by making (according to him) certainly the most awesome barbecue rib sauce.  He considered his ribs to be the best in town, and grilled them all year long: winter, spring, summer, and fall.

Alan was married twice. From these unions, he gained two children. His union with Corrine P. Croom gave him a daughter, Jameala A. Croom. His union with Alberta Garner Croom gave him a son, Eric F. Garner.  Alan and Alberta enjoyed traveling to Florida many times to visit friends, Otis Sparks and Raymond Kelly.  During these trips, he often took pictures with his (professional) camera to capture memories.  After their trips and for family events, he created photo digital CDs with music and shared them with loved ones.

Alan passed away on Friday, October 27th, 2023. He was preceded in death by his wife, Alberta Garner Croom; Mother, Alice Joyce Croom; Father, William Edward Croom; Sister, Michele Croom-Finklea; Brother, Deverax Croom; Daughter, Jameala Ariel Croom.

Alan cherished the small precious things in life – God, family, and friends.  He will be sorely missed for his wisdom, honesty, no-nonsense attitude, and leadership spirit.  Alan leaves to honor his memory Eric Garner (Son), LaChanze M. Walker-Garner (Daughter-in-law), Evan Garner (Grandson), Michelle Barnes (God-daughter), Lernard Croom (nephew), Bernard Croom (nephew), Oliver Finklea (nephew) and a host of family and friends.