Alan Messer
Alan Messer: Passed away on September 18, 2024 at the age of 89
September 2024
One of the giants in contributions to men’s senior tennis in the US passed away peacefully in Sarasota, Florida on September 18, 2024 at the age of 89. Alan Messer played many roles within the game of tennis over six decades – player, official, tournament director, and perhaps most significantly as the originator of the first website devoted exclusively to men’s senior tennis. Supersenior.info was the go-to place to find just about everything one needed to know in the world of American senior tennis for over two decades.
Along with his tennis in a full life well-lived, Alan was a distinguished entrepreneur and national level bridge player. He founded Data Counsel, Inc. (DCI), a company that became the country’s largest supplier of hospice software. Over the years, he contributed to his community in a multitude of ways – from being a Cubmaster, to volunteering for the Service Corps of Retired Executives, to serving on the boards of three non-profits.
Alan served as an umpire and referee at numerous major tennis tournaments, including the US Open. In the early 1980’s, he played a pivotal role in the much-needed professionalizing of tennis officiating through the New Jersey Tennis Officials, an organization he co-founded. They provided critical umpiring services to many men’s and women’s pro tournaments in the region.
Alan was also an avid tournament competitor himself, and played into his early 80’s. At one time he was ranked #1 in the Midwest, and garnered a national Top Ten ranking in the seniors. So it was from first-hand experience that he created the website supersenior.info. For nearly twenty years, his labor of love kept senior players informed about tournaments, results, rankings, current tennis happenings, as well as historical records. He combed USTA archives and then updated them annually to come up with an all-time Top Ten list in seven different categories of men’s senior tennis. In 2019, the National Senior Men’s Tennis Association recognized him for his many achievements by naming a perpetual trophy in his honor.
A man of wide-ranging interests, Alan loved, opera, jazz, classical music, Broadway, the ocean, cerebral movies, spy novels, dogs, and cats. He was also a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, serving as the patriarch of his family. His zeal for life and determination to always do his best was inspiring to family members and friends alike. He is survived by his wonderful wife Geri, his three children and six grandchildren.
Alan will be remembered for his sharp intellect, competitive spirit, and the indelible mark he left on his loved ones and the worlds of tennis and bridge. He leaves behind a legacy of professionalism, passion, and perseverance. He will be deeply missed.