Jonathan H. Alexander (Jon, Jonny, J. Harrington or “Pal”) of Marblehead passed away suddenly of congestive heart failure on Aug. 6 at MetroWest Medical Center Emergency in Framingham.
Born in Boston, Jon grew up in West Newton, the son of Dr. Leo Alexander and Phyllis (Harrington) Alexander. He graduated from Lawrence Academy in 1960 and attended Cornell University. Most of his professional life was spent as a systems analyst and manager at NCR Corporation. After his retirement, Jon remained a “computer geek,” and for the balance of his life, family and friends sought his advice and help on all things computer, from make, model and price to troubleshooting. He saved several people from sure technical disasters!
Jon loved to swim at Preston Beach near his home. For many years, he served the community as a board member, parking lot supervisor and treasurer for the Clifton Improvement Association whose mission it is to preserve and improve Preston Beach, Beach Bluff Park and other natural open spaces in the community.
Jon was also a passionate fan of “the ponies.” He went to a variety of horse races including the Kentucky Derby, with his wife, and closely followed horse racing online when he was no longer able to travel. Politics was another of Jon’s passions. He seldom missed reading the Boston Globe cover-to-cover or watching two or three newscasts daily and was ready to share his strong opinions with anyone in earshot. No one ever doubted where he stood on the issues!
Alcoholics Anonymous was a major force in Jon’s life. An active member for 25 years, in AA he found unfailing support, lasting friendships and a treasured community. He was inspired by the life stories of countless courageous people and grateful both for the help he received from them and the help he gave as a sponsor.
Jon was predeceased by his two siblings — Gustav Alexander and Cecily Grable — and leaves his wife, Jill (Pennucci) Alexander, his son, Jonathan P. Alexander, daughter-in-law Janinne, two grandchildren, Gavin and Ethan, a nephew and niece, their families and cousins.
Jon’s life will be celebrated on Saturday, Sept. 21, 3:30 p.m. at Mission on the Bay, 141 Humphrey St., Swampscott. Please email gampa01@gmail.com by Saturday, Sept. 14, if you intend to join us. Contributions in his name may be made to any of the organizations and initiatives he generously supported: St Jude’s Children’s Hospital, American Indian College Fund, The Salem Pantry and Pine Street Inn.
Assisting the family with the arrangements is O’Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 84 Washington Square, (at Salem Common) Salem. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit odonnellfuneralservice.com.
