ALEXANDER, William John, of Seminole, FL, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, friend and mentor, at age 80, passed away in the comfort of his son’s home on Tuesday, July 3, 2018, while surrounded by his family after a long battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).
Bill was born in Elizabeth, NJ, on July 4, 1937 to Samuel and Helen (Muszynski) Alexander and was the youngest of six children. He was a terrific baseball player throughout his youth. He played for Jefferson High School and was even offered a contract from the Philadelphia Phillies to play in the minor leagues. He was also an avid Polka and ballroom dancer and competed in several events including numerous appearances on the Harvest Moon Ball at Madison Square Garden, which was a televised event, one of which he was the winner. He went on to work a long career for Local 1 Elevator Union in New York City along with his own small business WJA contractors.
As a young adult, one of his favorite hobbies included boxing and his involvement with the (PAL) Police Athletic League. He competed in the Diamond Gloves Tournament and boasted a 12-1 career record. He was also an avid fishermen his entire life. Bill raised his family in Keyport, NJ, where he coached several youth basketball, baseball and softball teams as well as helped run the Keyport Youth Athletic League (KYAL). He was also a very passionate fan of the New York Yankees and New York Giants professional sports teams.
Bill is survived by his wife Patricia; children, Penny, William (Tammy), Daniel (fiancé Erin), Christina (David); grandchildren, Tabatha (James) and William; great-grandchildren ,Victoria, Sophia, Ella, Alexandra, David, Owen and Olivia.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Helen; brothers, Joseph, Robert, Samuel and John and his sister, Helen.
A funeral mass will be celebrated 11 am, Monday, July 9, 2018 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church by Father Rick Pilger located at 11565 66th Ave, Seminole, FL 33772. Burial will follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery located at 5233 118th Ave N, Clearwater, FL 33760. Bill’s family will greet friends on Sunday, July 8, 2018, from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at Garden Sanctuary located at 7950 131st St N, Seminole, FL 33776. Please visit William's website and share memories and condolences at www.gardensanctuaryfunerals.com
