In loving memory of Karl Alizade - Obituary Baldwin Brothers

Obituary

Kamaldin (Karl) Alizade, 77, of Lady Lake, Florida, passed away on October 6, 2024, in Daytona Beach following a tragic swimming accident on October 3 at Ormond Beach, Florida. Born in Munich, Germany, Karl’s life began in the aftermath of WWII as his Russian-born parents, both highly educated and influential, awaited U.S. citizenship after assisting the Allied war effort. His father, Husseyn Alizade, hailed from the Caucasus, and his mother, Tamara Morosov of the prominent Morosov family, was from St. Petersburg. The family settled in central New Jersey, where Karl, the eldest of three brothers, resided for most of his life.

A gifted athlete and academic standout, Karl graduated from Franklin High School in Somerset, New Jersey, and was awarded a full Navy ROTC scholarship. He attended Auburn University but soon chose to enlist in the U.S. Navy in 1967 to join the Vietnam War effort. Karl served as a Boatswain for three years, including the honor of serving on the USS New Jersey (BB-62), the most decorated battleship in U.S. history. His service earned him numerous honors, including the Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

Following his honorable discharge, Karl began a career in law enforcement with the East Brunswick and Lacey Township police departments in New Jersey. His keen intellect and skills in crime prevention led him to identify a need for improved theft and burglary protection, sparking a new direction in his life. In 1970, he founded Bullet Lock and Safe, a full-service locksmith shop in Asbury Park, where he discovered his passion, high security safes. Karl sold his share of the locksmith shop to create CitySafe, Inc in Jersey City, a company that quickly gained a reputation for supplying the highest-quality safes and vaults into New York City, trusted by prestigious clients like Lloyds of London, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Harry Winston Jewelers.

Driven by innovation, Karl expanded CitySafe to manufacture a wide range of high-security products, including blast walls, defensive command posts, and saferooms equipped with electronic surveillance, designed to withstand high-energy blasts and even rocket-propelled grenades. His ingenuity resulted in several patents and a proprietary high-strength cement formulation. When the 2002 film Panic Room brought national attention to saferooms, Karl and CitySafe were featured in major media outlets, including a front-page story in The New York Times business section. His expertise also attracted Columbia University’s Geoff Manaugh, who featured Karl in his best-selling book A Burglar’s Guide to the City.

As a dedicated patriot, Karl hoped to see his innovations used for U.S. military and infrastructure defense. Several CitySafe designs were slated for government purchase, but the Obama era funding cuts of 2012 ultimately canceled those orders and prevented their deployment.

Residing in the New Jersey towns of Toms River, Brick, and Whiting, after his decades of work as an inventor, entrepreneur, design and mechanical engineer, factory and business owner, Karl retired in 2021 and moved to Florida. There he became an officer member of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1152, serving as Vice President.

Known for his commanding presence, wit, and vibrant personality, Karl was a one-of-a-kind individual who left a lasting impact on those around him. He was athletic, lively, and always the life of a party. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched through his unique spirit. Arrangements entrusted with BALDWIN BROTHERS Funeral & Cremation Society-Spanish Springs, 352-430-1449. Sentiments are encouraged at www.baldwincremation.com.