Born on June 16th, 1933, in Perivlepton, Lamia, Greece, he was the son of the late Frank & Efstathia Alex.
Al came to the United States with his parents in June of 1947. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in November of 1956.
As a young airman in Harrisburg he met & later married the love of his life, the former Demetra Karagiannis. Theirs was a truly spectacular marriage & partnership that lasted for over 50 years. Al & Dee; as they became known, traveled extensively throughout Europe and the United States while All was on active duty.
During the Viet Nam War, then Sergeant Alex received orders for Thailand in Southeast Asia where he served in direct support of our forces. He received the Republic of Viet Nam Campaign ribbon for this tour.
After he retired, Al & Dee dedicated the remainder of their lives to serving the Greek Community in the Greater Harrisburg Area at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Camp Hill. Al was elected president of the parish council and along with his best friend & confidant, the late Paul Kokos, served on the board for several decades. They never missed a meeting. He was also a very proud AHEPAN who enjoyed the friendships and fraternity with many other Greek Americans in our community.
Al was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion, having previously served as the state commander.
Al was preceded in death by his wife Demetra, and brothers-in-law, Paul Kokos & Demetrios Karagiannis. Additionally, he is survived by three sisters-in-law, Georgia Kokos, Phyllis Karagiannis, and Angeliki Lloyd and her husband, James, all of Mechanicsburg.
Additionally, Thea Dee and Uncle Al were enormously proud of their seven nieces and nephews whom they loved and nurtured as if they were their own children; Constantine Kokos & family of Mt Holly Springs, Angelo Karagiannis & family of Mechanicsburg, Theodore Kokos & family of Wildwood, NJ, Bill Kokos & family of Mechanicsburg, Tina Karagiannis of Tampa, Florida, Christina Ward & family of Carlisle, and Jimmy Lloyd & family of Mechanicsburg.
Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, May 13, 2024, in the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 1000 Yverdon Dr., Camp Hill. Burial will be in East Harrisburg Cemetery. A viewing will be from 10:00 AM, Monday until the time of the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Bethesda Mission, 611 Reily St., Harrisburg, PA 17102.
