Alexander Johnnie Elion

1932 ~ 2016

Alexander Johnnie “Alex” Elion, age 83, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on May 4, 2016 at Carington Manor Assisted Living in Crestview, Florida. Born and raised in Bound Brook, New Jersey to parents Kimon and Demetria Eliou, he later graduated from Rutgers University. A veteran of the Korean War, Alex received the Bronze Star for meritorious service in the United States Army and was recognized 50 years later by the Republic of Korea for his efforts in service to their people. Upon graduation, Alex moved to Pittsburgh and dedicated 32 years as a civil engineer for Allegheny County, Southwestern Pennsylvania while furthering his studies at the University of Pittsburgh. He married and was a loving father to three children, John (Sandy Boggs), Jeanne (Michael McMullen), and Jenni (Will Woltz). He later married his soul mate Victoria (Pagnoni) and became a devoted father figure to Robert Willette (Mariela Estevez) and Jennifer Willette-Pioli and grandchildren Yusuf Ali and Safiyyah Scott (Bernard Brooks). Also mourning the loss of their beloved Papu are treasured grandchildren, Auriel, Katy, Caitlyn and Adrienne, seven great grandchildren, a great, great grandchild, numerous cousins and loyal companion, a 12 year old beagle, Sweet Pea. Fiercely proud of his Greek heritage, he was best known as a studious but witty man with many talents. An avid reader of history and science, he was a lifelong learner, yet at the same time, a prankster at home and office. He loved chess, war games and strumming bluegrass on his guitar, but his passion was sailing. He fulfilled a lifelong dream when he acquired his first sailboat, aptly named ‘Bout Time. He enjoyed many years as captain sailing Lake Pymatuning, Pennsylvania before retiring to Destin, Florida to navigate the Choctawhatchee Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Never there was a kinder, gentler soul than he. Alex will be deeply missed by friends and loved ones, but most of all, by his loving wife of 39 years. A visitation followed by a memorial service will be held June 9, 2016 from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. at Ft. Walton Yacht Club, Ft. Walton Beach, Florida. A military service will be held August 6, 2016 at the National Military Cemetery of the Alleghenies in Bridgeville just outside of Pittsburgh. Memorial donations may be made to Carington Manor, Magnolia Manor Senior Day Care of Ft. Walton Beach and Emerald Coast Hospice of Crestview. The family wishes to thank each of them for their dedication, tireless efforts and invaluable support over the years. Further details are forthcoming and will be available to friends and family by contacting www.mem.com.

National Cremation & Burial Society

5641 Highway 90 West

Milton, Florida

Arrangements under the direction of National Cremation and Burial Society, Milton, FL.