Father, grandfather, family man, known as ‘Mr. soccer’

Al Rothman died peacefully just days after his 91st birthday, surrounded by family throughout his process of transition. “He lived a full and meaningful life, deeply involved, and committed to family and community,” his family shared.

Al attended Washington University and worked at the Los Angeles Flood Control District for 37 years. He loved road trips, sports, dancing, jokes, organizing, and his community. He enjoyed camping and boogie boarding at San Clemente State Park, boating and water skiing at Lake Havasu, and listening and dancing to 1950s music. But more than anything, he loved just being with his family.

“Al was a very giving family man, and his generosity reverberated throughout Claremont,” his family added. He was very involved in his three sons’ various sports and activities. He was a Little League coach, a soccer coach and referee, and Claremont’s AYSO soccer commissioner for several years. He served on the national board of AYSO in different roles including vice president, treasurer, and secretary, and was responsible for the “everyone plays” policy. Mr. Rothman was known around town as “Mr. soccer.”

He volunteered with the city’s parks department and was responsible for creating the well-used Cahuilla Park just north of Claremont High School. He also served as president of the local branch of the International Right of Way Association, and he and his wife of 65 years, “‘Shirl,’ were the life of the party at their annual gatherings,” his family said. “Al will be deeply missed, but his legacy and commitment to love and family lives on in the Rothman lineage.”

He is survived by his three sons, Scot, Eric, and Kent; daughters-in-law Pearl, and Kim; and grandsons Ty, Mason, Lauren, Aaron, Zach, and Sky.