Obituary of Albert D. Aflalo

Albert D. Aflalo, originally from Rabat, Morocco, died in Stamford, Connecticut on November 9 at the age of 84. Mr. Aflalo enjoyed a distinguished career as a U.S. State Department officer, serving as the highest ranking Moroccan national in the U.S. Embassy in Rabat, Morocco for 37 years. His exceptional diplomatic skills, knowledge of his country and unequivocal support for American policy and a dedication to fostering U.S.-Moroccan relations led him to positions commonly reserved for American-born diplomats, notably as Public Affairs Specialist. Upon retiring from the State Department in the late 1980s, Mr. Aflalo accepted high-level positions within the Moroccan government. He left his beloved Morocco ten years ago for Washington D.C., before relocating to Stamford earlier this year. Mr. Aflalo's enthusiasm for American culture led him to launch the first North African Jazz Festival in the mid 1970s. Giants of the time, such as the Modern Jazz Quartet, the Golden Gate Quarter and Randy Weston introduced American jazz to Moroccan audiences for the first time. In turn, these artists brought back to America their own perspectives on a country incredibly rich in traditions and culture. Mr. Aflalo will also be remembered for the role he played in the Moroccan independence movement in the mid-50s alongside King Mohammed V and Crown Prince Hassan, as well as for his unparalleled efforts to strengthen coexistence between the Jewish and Muslim communities in Morocco. The countless articles and editorials that he wrote for Moroccan and American publications will remain a testimony to his passion for the history of his country. Throughout his entire life, Mr. Aflalo was an avid tennis player, golfer, water and downhill skier. Mr. Aflalo is survived by his daughter Brigitte and husband Peter of Princeton, N.J., his son Andre and wife Pamela of Stamford, CT, his grandchildren Alexander, Natalie and Sophie, and his sister Arlette and husband Rafik of Montreal, Canada. He will be sorely missed by family members and friends in Morocco, France and the United States. The funeral will take place 10 a.m. on Wednesday, November 13, 2013 at Temple Sinai, 458 Lakeside Drive in Stamford. The burial service will follow at the Fairfield Memorial Park Cemetery on 230 Oaklawn Avenue also in Stamford. Arrangements under the direction of Shippan's Thomas M. Gallagher Funeral Home 453 Shippan Ave Stamford. www.gallagherfuneralhome.com Read Albert Aflalo's Obituary and Guestbook on gallagherfuneralhome.com.