“He was a friend rather than an older brother for me. Although he moved to The United States we had never lost our connection.
He was very fond of his family and a caring son and brother. With his sense of humor he was the joy of our family.
He was kind, gentle, respectful, dignified, witty and warm-hearted. He had a very good taste for music and in spite of his deep knowledge of good wine,
it was hard for him to make Orhan believe in this.
I have such valuable and unforgettable memories I want to write pages about. I will miss our conversations and your jokes so much.
Looking back at the pictures or listening to an old song leaves me with a heavy heart and tears down my face.
Ali’cim you were such an amazing brother, you will always be in my heart and you will be missed forever and so very much.”
— Fezan Iz Karabekir, Sister
“Over the years we have had the pleasure of sharing our happiest life-moments with Ali, as well as with Debbie and John. The day that Greg and Tibby got engaged and of course their wedding week, stand out in particular, as does our family dinner on Long Island the day before Tibby and Greg announced their engagement.
But perhaps my favorite time with Ali was when we met coincidentally at Greg and Tibby’s apartment. I stopped by the apartment to drop something off for Greg and didn’t know that Ali had already arrived for his planned visit, which resulted in me literally barging in on Ali as he finished his shower. After we stopped laughing, Ali and I sat, just the two of us alone, and talked and talked. It was a wonderful conversation, an immediate connection and something that I will always cherish.
Ali Iz is a very special man. He is kind and wise, generous and gentle, loving and elegant. He is TRULY an EXTRAORDINARY father, a model husband and an exceptional friend. Ali, along with John, Debbie and our Tibby complete our family. We are so very grateful for the time we had. We love him and will miss him terribly.”
— Ellen Zimmerman, Tibby’s mother-in-law
“I feel privileged to know Mr. Iz. If I have to explain him in a simple straight way; I would say "Man of Example" in every shape of form. I hope one day if we can be 50% of what he was, it would be quite an accomplishment.”
— Mehmet Şükun, Nephew-in-law
“I first met Ali in 6th grade, and since a long time ago he has served for me as the answer to the login
security question: What is the name of your best friend? We had obvious reasons to be friends; we had
similar life journeys and thirsted for the same types of knowledge. But erudition and sophistication,
qualities Ali had plenty of, are not sufficient to maintain friendships throughout 50 years. What Ali also
offered his friends in addition to his brilliant company was his graciousness and consideration, always
deployed inconspicuously and unimposingly.
His last gesture to me was to make me believe and hope that he had not run into an impossible
problem. He announced his disease as if an appliance at his house had broken down and there would be
a slight inconvenience until the repairman arrived. His last message to me 9 days before the end was
that he was hopeful of the treatment he was going to receive near his home. I will always be grateful for
his example and friendship.”
— Roni Detoledo, Close friend
“I worked with Ali at NewWorld Capital Group for about 4 years, from 2012 to 2016. Ali interviewed and hired me as an analyst. I would learn how tough a negotiator he was when I had to negotiate directly with him for my own career path over those four years. Ali taught me a lot about business and was a mentor of mine. One of my favorite lessons was to just “stop talking” once you had made your point during a negotiation with a counterparty. The emphasis on “stop talking!” was uniquely Ali’s. Ali was a joyful pessimist. He was always in a good mood, but when evaluating a business, he always assumed the worst case scenario. Ali was always the best dressed guy around. He had a 1,000 watt smile, and also some sly sarcasm and a tendency to quote random Seinfeld episodes. He had the tidiest office, and that even expanded to his plants, which he would cut down to almost nothing, but most of the time would grow back. Ali was a welcoming, inclusive boss, who always invited the team to Tibby & John’s parties. I regret never making it to one, as they always sounded like fun, but it was clear how much Ali loved his children. After NewWorld, I had reached out to Ali a few times and he helped me think through some career decisions, and even made some introductions for me. I am forever grateful to him for his kindness and generosity. I will be raising a glass of (fine) red wine to toast his memory from San Francisco.”
— Charlotte Schmidlapp, Former employee
“There are few people who will grace this earth as special as Ali. The gift of just being around him, given so effortlessly- that's just who he will always be. A true gentleman, a fountain of knowledge, and unending kindness and warmth, the glint of acknowledgement in his kind eyes. Whenever the world became scary, as it often did and does, Ali was there with a kind hand to offer. My father loved him deeply. I will never forget his innate grace, his deep and endless love for his family, the seemingly effortless way he lived his beautiful life, because he was just that incredible. He always checked up on me after my father passed, endlessly thoughtful. Endlessly Ali. Ali will always be an extraordinary example of how we should hope to live. He will always have a special place in my heart. Deepest condolences to his beloved family and friends in this unspeakable time, and after. All my love, and the love of the Bales family. Thank you Ali, you will be cherished and never forgotten.”
— Cathryn E Bales, Friend & mentee
“Many years ago when Ali and I were in sixth grade, one day we were walking down to
school together. How this came about, I can’t say, because we weren’t really friends
and I can’t remember a single other occasion when the two of us went somewhere like
that. I suppose we had run into each other on our way back from our lunch break.
Anyway, just as we were approaching that high wall surrounding the playground, fit
more for a maximum-security facility for hardened offenders than a seat of polite
learning, Ali asked me if I knew the words to a hit of the day called “A Place Where No
One Goes”. I was deeply surprised and flattered by his assumption that I was the sort of
person who might know something like that (which, in that particular case, strangely
enough, I did). It wasn’t until years later that the suspicion dawned on me that,
consciously or not, to flatter me might in fact have been his intention all along because
even at that age he was aware of the needs of those around him and was determined to
do what he could to make them feel happy and at ease for as long as they were with
him.
When I saw him briefly here in England a little over a year ago, more than half a century
had passed since that little incident and more than four decades since I had last seen
him. He was, though, still very much the same person, modest about his considerable
achievements, saying little about his own needs and doing his best to be kind to others.
He was, in short, what he had always been: a gentleman.
I hope we can all find some consolation in the fact that it was life spent so wisely and
graciously.”
— Savkar Altinel, Friend
“Ali was always a calming influence. He mentored me as a CEO and was always a rock when things were tough. Without him, PosiGen would not be here today. I will miss our talks.”
— Thomas A Neyhart, Friend & Mentee
“Always enjoyed being with Ali for his intellect, sense of humor and caring. When Mel was diagnosed with prostate cancer, Ali researched and shared information and suggestions. He was a cherished friend. We loved knowing he was there for us and for many others.”
— Mel and Mary Zwirn, Friends
“Just a warm, kind, and very attractive man who always had a smile on, especially around his family!”
— Jake Hirsch, Cousin-in-law
“It's not often you meet someone as kind, authentic and welcoming as Ali which will forever be imprinted in my heart. He had a knack for making anyone feel special, from cutting out a newspaper article he thought might pique your interest to a piece of chocolate at your desk, it was the little things which were the biggest things! I am so grateful to have known such a wonderful person and my heart goes out to his family and loved ones at this time. My world has been made much better and brighter for having known Ali Iz - a man who had the most tidy office I've ever seen - I will miss you!”
— Jessica Sekor, Colleague and Friend at NewWorld Capital
“I remember like yesterday, Ali and me playing with his German Sheppard named Jr. When I told him, he is not going to be Jr for long, he told me animals had purest hearts one can imagine, and in his heart he would always stay as Jr.”
— Serra Kerimol, Ali’s cousin
“I have not known Ali for very long, meeting on the Ocean Reef croquet court several years ago. One day, Ali told me about watching YouTube videos on how to improve his jump shot. This amazed me since he was already a talented player.
Ali was my croquet partner in 2019 when Ocean Reef beat Anglers for the first time in many, many years. Thanks to Ali, that day will always be a high point in my croquet career. Ali was so good in that competition, he never got to use his jump shot, but I always remembered his approach. I use his technique to this day with much success. Thank you Ali for sharing your quiet enthusiasm, determination and skill for croquet with me. Days later, Dena and I had lunch with Debbie and Ali to celebrate our victory, in which we added many match points to Ocean Reef's win. We miss you Ali, and that includes everyone in the Croquet circuit, and shall remember you always for your generous nature, competitive spirit, and charm.”
— Houston Stebbins, friend and croquet partner
“I was very sorry and surprised to learn of Ali's passing, and I know he will be missed deeply by his family, colleagues and friends. I remember Ali for how generous he was with his time! I was a lowly intern at New World in 2011-2012 and he went out of his way to take me to lunch, answer my questions and do his best to make sure I had a positive experience with the firm. I always remember that he encouraged me to think creatively about getting into the space, and I credit his advice with encouraging me to take the plunge to start my own company in 2015. It was clear to me from my brief experience at New World how much he valued relationships and mentoring the next generation of clean energy professionals.”
— Ali Cooley (nee Lieberman), Former intern
“No matter where or when I would see Ali, he was always a soft spoken gentleman. He had an old world kindness that was so sincere, subconsciously assuring and typically expressed through a sly smile and a twinkle in his eye. And he was always impeccably dressed! When we had last spoken, he did not let on that he was sick. He would always mention his immediate family when we spoke and he would also talk about his family in Turkey. I am so saddened by the news and my condolences to his family.”
— Mark Huang, Coworker
“Ali was courteous, gracious and generous in every way. I miss his company and not having him visit us brings me sorrow. He came to our apartment for dinner often and visited us in Bridgehampton every summer. We went to the movies and restaurants together, discussed music, books, politics and our children. It felt easy to be in his company. He was the perfect guest volunteering to help around the house, whether ironing a tablecloth or climbing a tree with Roni to dislodge a fallen branch. My daughter loves horses and one time he brought her a bracelet with equestrian motives he found in a shop. I miss you Ali, and always will.”
— Nora de Toledo, Close friend
“Although you have been living miles away from us for years, our loving friendship of 50 years has always been strong.
Any time we got together our conversations were filled with laughter and our hearts were always filled with joy.
Like as if you never left. For us, in a way, you are still miles away. You never left.”
— Nüket Turhan & Nur Turhan Korur, Friends
“The most lovable, amazing, witty man - he always felt like a second dad to me and I’ll miss him always! He will be sorely missed and fondly remembered. You are the apple of his eye and will continue to make him proud! Love you Ali and love you Tibby!”
— Erin Henry, Tibby’s best friend
“Ali and I grew up as brothers; our mothers were classmates. He wanted everything to be authentic and perfect for example his name was Âli meaning high, eminent instead of the common name Ali which is the name of the caliph of İslam. When we were about the age of 15 Jethro Tull was very popular. Everybody was in awe of Ian Anderson, who played flute while standing on one leg. Ali came to me one day and said ‘I’ve made up my mind, I will figure this out.’ I answered: ‘Good for you. Who will be your flute instructor?’ His response was: ‘That part is easy. For now I’m trying to stand on one leg!’”
— Hakan Behlil, Friend
“I have been close friends with Tibby and Greg for more than five years, and I wanted to meet Ali before their wedding. We spent some time at their apartment last February, talking about a wide variety of topics -- from New York City to history to business and of course, Tibby. I knew that I would be impressed by him, but I was so taken by how engaging and interested he was in others, and caring toward everyone he met. The world is better because Ali was a part of it, and I know he lived life to the fullest while making others feel special too.”
— Danny Breslauer, close friend of Tibby & Greg and was going to officiant their original wedding plans
“I first met Ali while interviewing at NewWorld. Of the partners on the team, he was always the calmest, most collected voice. He didn't speak loudly, but commanded respect in a way that seemed to surprise even himself on occasion. At my interview, he didn't show too much emotion, until he winked from across the table. I wasn't sure what that wink meant until later he told me that the most important part of the interview was "fit". The gravitas he held was undermined only by those almost miss-able winks, and a sparkle in his eyes that would shine through - his mischievous and delightful personality underneath an incredibly respectful and accomplished exterior.
Outside the office, Ali was the best at creating culture. He would initiate happy hours, invite us colleagues to crash parties at Tibby and John's place, and have regular one-on-one dinners in the City. That was definitive of Ali, deeply caring of the friends and family he chose to surround himself with, and unafraid to blur the lines between the two. This allowed him to sneak into all of our hearts. In opening parts of his life (and literally the door to his kid's apartment), I felt compelled to similarly open my life to him. He knew the details of my career progression, challenges, strengths, my love life in whatever form it might have been in, my dietary preferences, my attempts at salsa dancing (to which he presented me with a CD he burned himself). He was a sounding board, mentor, and friend. But while eliciting so much from all of us, he simultaneously shared little about his own health struggles. Aside from the quintessential Ali hypochondria, nothing ever seemed dire - there was always a tremendous amount of joy in surrounding himself with people he cared for.
And while we would have deep discussions, we would also laugh and discover endlessly. He delighted in showing off his access to the coolest speakeasys (e.g. Bohemian), or trying out the newest drinks (Mayamezcal), and bar hoping on a weekday evening around the East Village. In classic Ali form, the nights could last for hours with good food and great conversation.
When I think about him now, I immediately miss that connection. The closeness that comes from knowing someone for 10 years, the countless conversations in passing and in earnest, the advise I should have written down, the support I know I still need, the adventure of one more dinner together...mostly though, I miss his unique sense of joy in life, his pride he held for his kids, the love he had for his family here and overseas, and the sparkle that would light up his eyes when he would take a new risk, or see those around him grow.”
— Danielle Joseph, Colleague, Mentee, Friend