Obituary of Howard J. Alexander

Howard Joel Alexander, age 67 of Troy, NY died on Friday, June 28, 2013 at the Hospice Inn at St. Peter's Hospital in Albany after a long and courageous battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Howard was a 1964 graduate of the Troy High School. He was employed for many years at the former Anne's Dress and Uniform Shop in Troy and was later employed for more than 20 years for the NYS Dept. of Taxation and Finance. He was a member of the NYS Dept of Tax and Finance Alumni. He was an active member of Albany City Lodge # 540 Knights of Pythias in Albany, and had been the receipient of the Pythian of the Year Award. Howard was also an active member of Temple Beth El in Troy where he served as Vice President and chairman of their bingo committee. He had also been chairman of the religious committee as well as a member of the cemetery committee. He loved watching the New York Yankees, the New York Mets, New York Rangers, the Cleveland Browns and RPI Hockey. Howard had a kind and generous spirit and was a friend to all whom he met. He had a heart of gold and will be sorely missed by his family and friends. Howard was the beloved son of the late Sidney and Selma Goldstein Alexander. He is survived by his beloved soul mate Rose Kostek of Rensselaer and his devoted brothers, Mort Alexander of Albany and Richard Alexander and his wife, Jill Casey of Fredonia, NY . He also leaves his nieces, Sara Fletcher (Chris) and Miranda Salzler ( Paul). Great uncle of Aidan and Gabriel who affectionately called him, "Uncle Power". Services at Temple Beth El, 411 Hoosick Street, Troy, NY on Monday, July 1, 2013 at 11:00am. A Knights of Pythias ritual service will be held at 10:30am. Interment will follow services in the Beth El Cemetery in Troy, NY. The period of mourning will be observed on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 21 Centerview Drive in Troy, NY. Those wishing to remember Howard in a special way may make a memorial contribution to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 5 Computer Drive West, Albany, NY 12205 or Rensselaer County Hospice Foundation, 295 Valley View Blvd. Rensselaier, NY 12144.