PROFILE OF A DOORMAN: ALNALDO COLON OF 41 WEST 72ND STREET

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Editor’s note: Tessa Abrahams profiles the Upper West Side’s doormen for the West Side Rag. This is the fifth in her series.

By Tessa Abrahams

Name: Alnaldo Colon

Age: 69

Hometown: Puerto Rico

When I first arrived at Al’s post, he seemed to be quite a tough shell to crack. I noticed that he kept trying to redirect my attention from him towards anyone else who passed us to avoid being in the spotlight. Unfortunately, however, this diversion tactic backfired instantly: it turned into a never-ending sequence of individuals who would first, abruptly stop whatever they were doing, turn to me, look me straight in the eyes, and then would begin to profess an elaborate, highly personalized speech of undying love and gratitude in honor of their favorite doorman. These speeches regarding Al’s character included lines such as, “he is the most wonderful, interesting person I have ever met,” “he is like a best friend/ father to me… I love him beyond words could ever express.  I don’t even know how to explain it to you. I just love him,” and “a true staple to arguably one of the most important blocks in NYC.”

​Described as “the heartbeat of the street,” and someone who “gives the block character both visually and in understanding,” it is clear that Al’s impact is one that extends far beyond 41 W. 72nd Street‘s front door. Furthermore, when I say “community,” I am not only referring to the humans. In fact, humans only make up a fraction of Al’s fan base: for he is the undeniable best friend of each and every single dog on the block and then some. A lover of all furry friends, “from Dalmatian to Westie,” Al has taken it upon himself to feed and care for all of the dogs in the area. For dog-owning residents of 72nd street, they all know very well that walking towards Al’s post means suddenly getting yanked down the block by a suddenly anxious canine in dire need of his daily dose of treats and handlebar moustache.

​During the time I was there, Al was also visited by three members of a family, Cecile (grandmother), Stacey (mother), and Lily (daughter) whom he knows through various other members living in the building over the years. Stacey’s brother is currently a tenant in the building. The last time the three women saw Al was a year ago in the summer at Stacey’s brother’s wedding. Al was the photographer. Oh and for the record, Stacey’s brother was not even home during their visit, they came specifically to see Al and then continued on their way.

​The day that Al started working as a doorman for 41 West 72nd Street eleven years ago was the day that he found inner peace and purpose through the love and devotion of his Upper West Side family. Although I need not say it, it is clear that Al’s impact on the surrounding community (inclusive of all species) is one that is far more profound than what a job title could ever begin to define.

Al served during the Vietnam War and a resident scanned the photos of him below.

Photos (other than the ones from Vietnam) by Tessa Abrahams. To read all of the profiles in this series, click here.

A note from Tessa Abrahams: “Recommendations of doormen are highly encouraged! However, I ask that you keep your recommendations a secret. I want all interviews to be candid, as I believe it keeps the magic alive. Also if possible, please include the times/days in which this individual is typically working. If you know a doorman who you believe should be featured, please feel free to reach out to me directly at tabrahams90 at gmail.com or via the West Side Rag at westsiderag at gmail.com. P.S. – I will be out of town starting mid July thru the end of August, so I plan on doing a lot of doormen in the next few weeks. I promise I will get to everyone but the interview itself may be posted at a later date due to my absence. ”