Alvin Northern

Alvin Northern, a beloved father, grandfather, uncle, friend and respected member of the community, passed away on November 26, 2023, in Durham, NC. He was born on June 5, 1945, in Brooklyn, NY, and spent his formative years in the neighborhood of Harlem. Upon retiring in 2000, Alvin moved from Brooklyn to Harrells, NC, where he resided with his wife, Roberta, until her passing on April 27, 2023, and his hospitalization on November 10, 2023.

A highly educated and accomplished individual, Alvin graduated from George Washington High School, Empire State College, and earned his Master of Public Administration (MPA) from New York University. He dedicated 32 years of his life to public service, working for the City of New York in various roles, from accountant to counselor. Notably, he served as the manager for the Agency for Child Development and retired as the Assistant Unit Chief for Legislative Documents for the New York City Council.

Throughout his diverse career, Alvin also contributed his talents to the Boy Scouts of America, Macy's, various newspapers, and even ventured into entrepreneurship, owning a pet store and a nightclub. However, his most cherished job was working at a jelly factory in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, where he found joy in making jelly.

A proud member of the Pershing Rifles fraternity, Alvin had a passion for audio engineering. He enjoyed building speakers, assisting churches in upgrading their sound systems, and playing the piano. His interests extended to a love for Hallmark movies and nurturing his home farm through planting and gardening.

Alvin was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Roberta A. Maloy, his parents Alonzo and Tomesena Northern, and his aunt Vertell Govan.

Alvin's surviving family members include his devoted son, Alvin Alonzo Maloy Northern, daughter-in-law Adana A. Northern, and cherished grandson Ellison X. Northern. He is also remembered by his nephew Geoffrey Govan, brother-in-law John Andrew Maloy and wife Margarita, niece Rachel E. Maloy, nephews Joshua A. Maloy, Terrence John Rondon, Ryan Maloy, cousin James "Sonny" Zimmerman and wife, Dorothy, and Goddaughter, Tina Phillips, and various other family members near and far.

The family acknowledges with gratitude the invaluable role that “crib mate” Carla Fagan, Rev. Monica Marshall, Rev. Patricia Phillips, Rev. Johnnie Council, and fraternity brother Bill Corley, and countless others played in Alvin's journey. Their presence and friendship were a source of comfort, strength, and love.

A celebration of Alvin Northern's life will be held on January 13, 2024 at Carter Funeral Home in Garland, NC. Alvin will be deeply missed but fondly remembered for his remarkable achievements, warm spirit, and enduring love for family and community.

Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Carter Funeral Home in Garland