As the sun rises over Sarasota, one remarkable resident is preparing to celebrate a milestone few ever reach. Alvin “Al” Seidman, a World War II Coast Guard veteran, will turn 100 years old on August 16, 2025. His life, shaped by the Great Depression, wartime service in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters, and a postwar career as an electrician, offers a compelling portrait of resilience, dedication, and quiet generosity. His story is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Greatest Generation and the strength of community in later years. For those interested in stories of WWII veterans, Coast Guard service, or longevity, Seidman’s tale is both inspiring and deeply human.
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Born and raised in Brooklyn, Seidman joined the U.S. Coast Guard in 1944, motivated by a friend’s comment that boot camp was conveniently located in Manhattan Beach. At the induction center, a simple conversation with an officer and a change in paperwork set him on a path that would take him across oceans and into history. He served aboard the USCG Cutter Roger B. Taney, a ship that saw action in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. According to the Coast Guard’s official history, the Taney escorted convoys to Bizerte, Tunisia, and later participated in operations near Okinawa, enduring relentless air raids and kamikaze attacks.
Seidman’s role as a bosun had him steering the ship from both the bridge and a lower station known as after steering. He recalled the intensity of life at sea during wartime, where training took over in moments of crisis. “You don’t think; you just do,” he said. “Everybody does their job and luckily for us, we never got a scratch.” The Taney was at general quarters 119 times during the Okinawa campaign, and its gunners downed four kamikaze planes. The ship later took part in the occupation of Japan, anchoring off Wakayama before returning to the United States in late 1945.
After the war, Seidman declined college despite encouragement from his father, a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Instead, he became an apprentice and launched a 40-year career as an electrician. He married Shirley, the love of his life, in 1947, and together they raised three children in Garden City South, Long Island. Seidman retired in 1987, and the couple eventually relocated to Longboat Key, Florida. Shirley passed away in 2017, after 70 years of marriage.
Now a resident of Arietta, a 55-and-older community in Sarasota, Seidman has embraced a new identity: “The Muffin Man.” At nearly 100 years old, he bakes two dozen chocolate chip muffins twice a week, enjoying one daily and sharing the rest with neighbors and even the mailman. He credits his daughter Susan for the recipe that sparked this late-life hobby. “I tried it; the muffin was delicious,” he said. “I started giving them to people and they all loved them.”
In addition to baking, Seidman maintains a rigorous fitness routine. For over 50 years, he has worked out regularly and now visits the Arietta gym three times a week—at 3 a.m., when he has the space to himself. Though age has limited his ability to lift heavy weights due to a worn-out shoulder joint, his commitment to physical health remains unwavering. He still drives locally, although he relies on Susan for longer trips, such as visiting his sister Edith in Naples.
Seidman’s centennial celebration will be as unique as his life. On August 16, he will be honored aboard the USS Constellation, a 171-year-old museum ship moored in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. The ship is not far from the USCG Cutter 37, formerly the Taney, where Seidman served during the war. About 60 guests, including his children and extended family, are expected to attend. The event will include a ceremonial cannon blast when he blows out his birthday candles—a fitting tribute for a man who once stood at battle stations under enemy fire.
A second celebration is planned for August 28 at Arietta, featuring cake and a performance of Frank Sinatra songs. Sinatra holds a special place in Seidman’s memory; he saw the legendary singer perform twice at the Paramount Theater as a teenager. These celebrations reflect not only Seidman’s longevity but also the deep connections he maintains with family, neighbors, and history.
Growing up during the Great Depression left its mark on Seidman. He vividly recalls the painful moment when his father had to give away the family dog, Babe, because they couldn’t afford to feed both the dog and their growing family. “I was 5 years old, I barely knew her – the dog I loved,” he said. That early lesson in sacrifice would echo throughout his life, from wartime service to decades of hard work and family devotion.
When asked about the secret to his long life, Seidman offered a thoughtful reflection. “I had a wonderful 70 years,” he said, crediting Shirley’s healthy cooking and their enduring love. While he once regretted not becoming a drummer or going to college, he quickly added, “But I had a wonderful life.” I found this detail striking—it speaks to a contentment that many seek but few find.
Al Seidman’s story is one of quiet heroism, lifelong commitment, and a generous spirit that continues to enrich his community. From steering a ship through wartime seas to baking muffins for neighbors, his legacy is built not just on what he endured, but on what he gave back. As he approaches his 100th birthday, Seidman remains a living link to a pivotal era in history—and a reminder that purpose and kindness can span a century.
