Fire Island Pines People - Alan Brockman 1931-2004
Alan Brockman was a longtime former president of FIPPOA (Fire Island Pines Property owners Association). Under Brockman’s leadership, FIPPOA experienced a sustained period of growth and evolution and Fire Island Pines was largely defined as the community we know today.
Early Life
After graduating cum laude from Amherst College, Brockman studied law at Columbia Law School. During a distinguished law career in which he became a Partner and Senior Counsel with the law firm of Tenzer Greenblatt, he represented a number of celebrity clients and many residents and homeowners of the Pines. He specialized in corporate, real estate, and trusts and estate matters.
Alan Brockman was first elected to the FIPPOA Board in 1976 and served a total of 36 years. In 1978 he was elected Treasurer, serving for four years. He was elected President in 1982, a position he held until 2006. Subsequently he was named Director Emeritus. In addition to FIPPOA, Brockman served as a long-time Trustee of Congregation B’Nai Olam in the Pines.
Relationship with Bill Peterson
Alan deeply involved himself and his partner Bill Peterson in the community. Alan was preceded in death by Bill Peterson, his partner of 37 years, in 2002. They came to the Pines in 1971 and lived in their home on Midway Walk where they enjoyed graciously entertaining guests through the years.
Alan Brockman seen here with Jim Cashel in 1994
FIPPOA Presidency
During Brockman’s presidency, FIPPOA evolved from a homeowners’ association with a limited scope of managing a marina to an organization working closely with the Town of Brookhaven to manage a wide range of governmental affairs in the community. He also developed an extensive relationship with state and federal officials to support FIPPOA’s work. Alan was responsible for helping draft and ratify the first set of zoning regulations that would govern building and development for several decades. Association assets were enhanced during his tenure, with the rebuilding of the harbor and marina property and the reconstruction of the community center that was completed as Whyte Hall in 2006. He oversaw two beach replenishment projects and led the creation of the FIPPOA Charitable Foundation.
The Pines was the most important aspect of Alan’s life. He worked continually to ensure its growth as the unique community that it is today. He fought hard for the Pines, sometimes with harsh words, and yet at his core he was a generous, loving and caring man. The 2003 Invasion with Panzi and John Whyte below.
Alan will always be remembered for his devotion to the Pines and his dedication to FIPPOA. He will live on in his many accomplishments for the Pines. There was a celebration of Alan’s life on May 9, 2015 at Whyte Hall in the Pines.
