A life worth remembering was a life worth living

William Anthony McAlevey

“Bill,”“Red,” “Dad,” “Grandpa,” “Papa” passed away on Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Bill’s oldest son Jerry was at his side.

He was 92 and had a full and wonderful life.

Born in St. Louis in 1919 to Clare and James McAlevey, Bill was one of seven brothers. Jim, Tom, Bob, Ralph, Richie have all passed away. Raymond “Cup” still lives in St. Louis and is the remaining brother.

Being one of seven brothers growing up in the Depression taught Bill the importance of hard work and discipline which would serve him well until he finally retired at the age of 85.

Joining the Marine Corp in 1942, after moving to California and working at Lockheed, Bill met Meredith Mathews at a USO dance and they were married during one of his early leaves. He then shipped out and four years later left the Marines as a Staff Sergeant. He and Meredith lived in Hollywood and had two boys, Jerry and Tim, while he tried to make a living as a photographer. As with many marriages after the war things didn’t work out and Bill’s first marriage ended. There was a serendipitous moment that occurred in his photography studio when two young brothers named Al and Len Aaron came in and tried to sell him a wedding album that they built in their garage. Bill’s photography studio wasn’t doing that well so he simply asked how many of these could they make, and the answer stimulated Bill and he said, “I can sell these for you, start making more.” A short time later Bill asked Al and Len if they knew anywhere to get picture frames because that was something photography studios didn’t have. And that’s how Aaron Brothers started.

Bill became the Vice-President in charge of the Wholesale Division and Al and Len started developing the retail chain. For the next 30 years Bill ran the division of Aaron Brothers which became a major player in supplying framed artwork to the Home Furnishings Industry. At one time he handled an independent sales force of 40 men and women and oversaw showrooms in five major Furniture markets across the country.

During that time he remarried and had two more boys, Richard and David, and then in 1961 fell in love for the third time and married Claudia Smith. They have been together for 51 years and have two daughters, Laury and Marilyn and one son, Steven.

In 1981 Bill bought the wholesale division from Aaron Brothers and changed the name to Spectra Galleries where he continued to compete in the home furnishings industry. In 1997 he altered the business model and ended his wholesale experience but started a retail custom frame shop in North Hollywood, which he ran until closing shop at the age of 85 in 2005.

Bill was an avid golfer and since 1960 has played with his best friend, artist Bill Blackman. Over the last five years, three of Bill’s sons joined him every Tuesday for a round. He had his only hole-in-one on the 9th hole of Westlake Golf Course at the age of 85. He often said how enjoyable it was to be able to play golf on a regular basis with three of his five boys. He also was very proud that he consistently shot his age or less.

Bill was an actively proud verbal member of the Republican Party and loved the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim baseball team.

He is survived by his wife Claudia, his brother Raymond, his children Jerry, Tim, David, Richard, Laury, Marilyn and Steven along with ten grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces.
His sense of humor, his honor and his honesty were legendary among his family, friends and associates.

He will be greatly missed by everyone who experienced his unique “personality.”

There will be a Celebration of Life at Westlake Golf Course on Sunday the 29th of January at 12 noon. Dress like Bill would.....causal and relaxed.