Alexander Sandel

With profound sadness, we announce the death of Alexander Sandel of Clinton Township, MI, who passed away peacefully, on January 28, 2024, just shy of the age of 89, with his wife and sons at his side.

Alexander was born in Krakow, Poland, and, as a young man, immigrated to the United States. Although he never stopped loving the land of his birth, he was a loyal and proud American citizen.

His is a story of achieving the American dream. He was allowed to leave communist Poland with just one suitcase and $5 in his pocket. Through hard work and perseverance, he graduated from Wayne State University in Detroit with a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. There was nothing he could not design, build, repair, or solve.

Alexander worked in the U.S. from day one, including 29 years where he served his adopted country as a civilian in the Department of the Army, before retiring in 2007. He was manager and coordinator of the Small Business Innovation Research program at the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center in Warren, MI, where he was able to demonstrate initiative and skill that resulted in the fostering of originality and innovation of research in support of the Army’s mission. In this role, he traveled to Japan, Korea, Poland, and countless places in the United States.

The center of Alexander’s world was undoubtedly his family. He deeply loved his wife of 60 years, Grazyna, his sons, daughters-in-law and, above all, his grandchildren. He considered education to be absolutely indispensable for his sons and spared no time or resources so that they could attend the best schools and universities in the U.S. and abroad. That was the source of his greatest joy and pride. Alexander created for this family a comfortable life rich in cultural experiences.

He was also a man of deep and abiding faith.

In spite of his many accomplishments, he remained a modest and humble man. He was admired by all for his impeccable manners and wit.

He enriched the lives of those who loved him beyond measure. His inspiration, example, generosity and selflessness will stay with us forever. He was a great man and a good man indeed.

Alexander is survived by his loving wife, Grazyna; his sons, Arthur (Abby) and Christian (Solange); his four grandchildren, Alexander, Clio, Phillip and Matilda; his sister, Barbara; and extended family in the U.S., Canada and Poland.

On Tuesday, February 13, 2024, Alexander will lie in state from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Mass at 9:30 a.m. at St. Michael Catholic Church, 40501 Hayes Rd., Sterling Heights, MI. Interment will immediately follow at Resurrection Cemetery, 18201 Clinton River Rd., Clinton Township, MI.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Henry Ford Macomb Hospital hospice care in Clinton Township.