Hotelier, restaurateur, entrepreneur, and devoted family man, Allan Meltzer, 88, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2026, at his home in Plano, Texas.
Born in Lakewood, New Jersey, to Irving and Rose (née Geller) Meltzer, Allan grew up in a family of business owners and later managed the Breakers Hotel in Atlantic City, a premier Kosher convention hotel steps from the Boardwalk. There he met his beloved wife, Dorothea (née Bunting), and built a reputation for excellence and warm hospitality. He went on to own and operate the Colony Resort Hotel. After the arrival of casino gaming in Atlantic City, he founded VIP Executive Tours and Travel serving patrons of the casino industry. Allan and Dorothea raised five children in Ventnor, New Jersey, instilling in them the work ethic and values that define their lives.
In 2002, Allan and Dorothea moved to Texas and opened Hometown Threads, a custom embroidery business. Allan was a graduate of Atlantic City High School, and he earned his BS degree from Michigan State University’s renown School of Hospitality Business where he was a member of Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity. Allan was an Army veteran, a proud member of the Masonic Temple AF & AM, the Crescent Shrine of New Jersey, and a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International. Recognized as a generous supporter of Jewish and local charities, Allan was instrumental in establishing the Hebrew Academy of Atlantic County, New Jersey. Allan served on the Board of Directors of the Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce and the New Jersey Hotel and Lodging Association. His professional affiliations included Maitre de la Table of the Chaine de Rôtisseurs and the Ordre Mondial GD. He leaves a lasting legacy of love, faith, philanthropy, and hospitality.
Allan is survived by his wife of 57 years, Dorothea Meltzer of Plano, Texas; son, James Meltzer, and wife, Jaime, of Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania; son, David Meltzer, and wife, Kim, of Frisco, Texas; son, Cary Meltzer, and wife, Theresa, of Burbank, California; daughter, Carolyn Simons, and husband, Scott, of Plano, Texas; daughter, Melissa Warehall, of Beijing, China; grandchildren, Sydney Meltzer, Lauren Meltzer, Miles Meltzer, Mason Meltzer, Jordan Meltzer, Max Meltzer, Isabella Simons and Hudson Simons. Allan was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Dr. Martin Meltzer, sister, Charlotte Okonow; and son in law, Paul Warehall.
A funeral to be held Friday, February 27, 2026, with visitation 11am-11:30am, and service at 11:30am, followed by interment, at West Laurel Hill Cemetary in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania. A celebration of life in Plano, Texas, to follow at a date to be announced.
Donations in honor of Allan’s memory may be made to the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden.