Alex Koechlin

Alexander Walzer Koechlin passed away on May 15, 2023 at St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach, Florida.  He was 32 years old.  In the final hours of his life, Alex was surrounded by the people who loved him and he loved the most: his mother, father, sister, and partner.  The cause of death was multiple organ failure related to alcohol addiction.

Alex was born on August 10, 1990 in Saratoga Springs, New York.  He graduated from Albany Academy and then studied on and off at Vassar, Skidmore, and St. Francis colleges.  He eventually earned his undergraduate degree from the New School and was a graduate of the International Culinary Center.  Over the course of his adult life, Alex spent time in Montclair NJ, New York City, Austin TX, Saratoga Springs NY, and Boynton Beach FL.

Alex was a kind, smart, funny, and complicated human being.  He was a hard worker, most recently as a political consultant.  He ran a food truck in Hoboken, NJ for a few years.  He was interested in pretty much everything and loved a good conversation on a road trip or over a meal.  He had a special way of connecting with children and other vulnerable humans.   

For several years, Alex devoted his creative energy to storytelling, improv, and especially, stand-up comedy.  He performed at Caroline’s on Broadway and other clubs.  His bits were often dark—“Happiness isn’t my brand,” he said—and a bit esoteric (including references to Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim, and various personality disorders).  He was a master at summoning hilarious and self-deprecating responses when jokes did not land.   

Alex could be challenging—both inadvertently and on purpose—but he was essentially a gentle soul who respected the humanity of others.  He befriended a remarkable array of people in restaurant kitchens, classrooms, buses and trains, bars, sports teams, bodegas, and in his multiple visits to hospitals and rehabs.  Alex was going to tell it all—maybe in a book or a one-man show—but he didn’t get to write that script.  His family and friends are heartbroken that he is gone too soon, but grateful for the love, laughter, insight, and generosity he bestowed while he was here.  

Alex is survived by his mother Susan Walzer, his father Tim Koechlin, his sister Leah Walzer Koechlin, his partner Krista Koehler, his step-mother Katherine Joyce, his aunts Emily Koechlin and Janet Walzer (Frank Shaw), his uncles Andrew Walzer, Patrick Koechlin (Julie), Nicolas Koechlin (Catherine), John Koechlin, and Carl Nagy-Koechlin (Beth Nagy), his step-brother, Benjamin Feldman, as well as his cousins, step-aunts and uncles, friends, and appreciative acquaintances.  A memorial event celebrating Alex’s life will be held in September.