Obituaries

On April 13, 2012, at the age of 80 Alex completed his journey and reunited with the love of his life Athena ?Ethel? Lewis. He was the beloved husband of ?Ethel? for 54 years until her passing in 2010. A loving Father to Stephanie Roden of Fremont, Richard Lewis (Kilene) of Pleasanton, James Lewis (Celeste) of Livermore, and Timothy Lewis (Kathy) of Fremont. Beloved Grandfather of Alexzandra, Brodie, Brett, Nicholas, Athena, Ava, Gabriella, Chase, and Addison. Preceded in death by grandson Spenser Roden in 1988, by son-in-law David Roden in 1998, and by sister Lucy Hamson. Also he is survived by many nieces and nephews.

Alex was a loving and devoted father, husband, and friend. You could depend on him to drop whatever he was doing at a moments notice to help out a friend or family member in need. The original Mr. Fix It, Alex could repair just about anything.

He was born in Salem, MA, and as a youth moved to Marblehead, MA. As a young man he tried his hand at being a lobster-man, caterer, and a leather shop laborer. He joined the Armed services in 1952, where he worked as a mechanic. During his time in the Army he won several pistol shooting competitions.

At the age of 19 while attending a community dance in Salem, MA he met his future bride. Announcing to his friends that evening, ?I just met the girl I?m going to marry?. They married on June 3, 1956 and moved to California for the promised job of cement mason. Alex worked in the cement business for 19 ½ years, later trying out appliance repair, and finally settling on Real Estate from which he would retire. He started his real estate career with Valley Real Estate but eventually preferred working independently.

While raising his 4 children Alex helped install Fremont Parent Nursery School playgrounds, establish the Fremont National Youth Baseball League fields, and build the Lance Paulson Memorial water fountain. He produced go-karts from scratch using lawn mower motors. Worked in his garage repairing and painting old vehicles for his children. He assisted his sons with the building of 2 hot rod cars: a VW Karmann Ghia, and a 69? Chevelle. He also built a sail boat and loved to be out on the water, fishing on the bay or at a lake RV camping. Alex enjoyed working in his backyard garden sharing his home grown tomatoes and vegetables.

He met many friends throughout his life and enjoyed spending time with them. He was on several bowing teams and later in life still enjoyed watching friends play, even attempting wheelchair bowling. He enjoyed listening to live jazz and big band music and would attend dances with friends. Alex vacationed with family and friends to Spring Training in Arizona, the East Coast, New York, and Hawaii. He went on several cruises with the ?Cruise 10? group.

As an avid sports fan he watched baseball, football, and basketball on TV. As well as Dancing with the Stars, Jeopardy, and Wheel of Fortune. Alex loved attended A?s games, enjoyed community theatre, and always had time to watch his grandchildren participate in their many activities, swimming, baseball, lacrosse, soccer, gymnastics, cheerleading, theatre, and dance.

In honoring Alex?s wishes there will be no services. He will be interred with his wife Ethel at the Irvington Memorial Cemetery in Fremont. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite charity in his remembrance.