Obituary of Joseph A. Alexander

Joseph A. Alexander Peru - Passed away on Sunday, April 24 at his home, surrounded by his family. He was born in Lyon Mountain, NY on August 2, 1931, son to the late Clifford Joseph and Ella Mae (Davis) Alexander. He married Janet Tedford on August 21, 1961. He graduated from Lyon Mountain High School in 1950. While growing up, he played baseball and basketball under the direction of Coach John Hamilton, and experienced first-hand the tremendous impact a committed, positive role-model could have on children. Joe enlisted in the U.S. Army in January 1951 and served as a medic with the 109th Infantry Regiment, 28th Division in Germany. He attained the rank of Sergeant and received an honorable discharge in December 1953. Upon returning home, he earned a Bachelors in Education from SUNY Plattsburgh. During the summers of school, he worked as a camp counselor at Tanager Lodge on Chateauguy Lake in Merrill, where he enjoyed swimming, fishing, and time with the campers and staff. Later, he returned to SUNY to earn a Masters Degree. He served in the U.S. Air Force Reserves at Fort Drum in the Air Logistics Command from 1974 to 1978. He was an educator in Peru for 34 years and taught in the elementary school, and Junior & Senior High School until his retirement in 1991. He taught nearly the entire array of social studies courses offered. He inspired an appreciation for the past, the current and entirety of global events in all his students. He coached Model U.N. and government groups, escorted students to Washington, and fostered a love of learning and commitment to community. Joe was an active member in the Peru Lions Club for over 45 years, and served as president and in many other leadership roles. He was awarded the Robert J. Uplinger Distinguished Service Award in 2003 by the NYS Lions Foundation. He served on the Board of the Peru Free Library for 10 years and dutifully took the role of Chair of the Bicentennial Committee in 1976. Joe loved the outdoors and was a second-generation member of the hunting club, Hunter's Home. His membership spanned more than 50 years. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, and was especially fond of sharing those interests with his late nephew, Harold Alexander. He built and maintained a summer home on the shores of Lake Champlain. Joe volunteered countless hours to church and community work, and was a regular of the Peru coffee group, which he endearingly referred to as the "Coffee Mugs." He is survived by his loving wife, Janet (Tedford) Alexander; three children, John "Jack" of Cadyville, Jane of Peru, and Judith (Charles) Wasley of Rochester, NY; two grandchildren, Taylor Alexander of Cadyville, and Alexander Wasley of Rochester; and a special step-grandson, Derek (Kelly) Fessette of Cadyville. He is survived by one sister, Freda Whitfield of Lyon Mountain, and two brothers, Thomas Alexander of Standish, NY, and Donald (Regina) Alexander, of Bedford, Indiana; three brother-in-laws, Samuel Tedford of Saranac, Kenneth (Carolyn) Tedford of Watertown, and Lynn (Linda) Tedford of Attica, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents and siblings Daniel (in infancy), James, Frances, and Robert. Calling hours will be held Wednesday, April 27th from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 PM at the Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Road, Peru. A memorial Mass will be celebrated Thursday, April 28th at 11 AM at St. Augustine's Church in Peru with Rev. Alan D. Shnob, parish pastor, celebrating. Internment will follow in St. Augustine's parish columbarium. Committal prayers will be recited and full military honors will be accorded. Donations may be made in his memory to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 811 W. Evergreen Avenue, Suite 303, Chicago, IL 60642 ( www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org); to St. Augustine's Church, 3035 Main St., Peru, NY 12972-2901; to Hospice of the North Country, 358 Tom Miller Road Plattsburgh, NY 12901-6430; or to a charity of one's choice. The family would like to thank the many friends and neighbors who called, visited, and provided support to Joe and Janet during Joe's illness. Arrangements are in the care of the Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Road, Peru. 643-9055