Obituary: Thomas Stephen Alexander

Thomas Stephen Alexander died on November 17th from complications of Parkinson’s Disease at the age of 81.

Thomas Stephen Alexander
(01/28/1940 – 11/17/2021)

Tom was born on January 28th, 1940 in Aurora, IL, the third of four sons of John and Berniece Alexander. He grew up in Aurora, and graduated from Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts and from The University of Colorado Boulder. He spent his summers working at several of the yards of Alexander Lumber Co., the business founded by his grandfather, John Alexander in 1891. Following graduation, Tom served in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve before returning to work at Alexander Lumber, where he served as an executive officer for over 60 years right up until his death.

Outside of his work at the lumber company, Tom managed several farms, raising corn, soybeans and cattle; he also somehow found time to raise sheep, chickens and other livestock on his own farm in Sugar Grove.

Tom served on many non-profit boards, including 33 years with the Aurora Foundation (now the Community Foundation of Fox River Valley), 39 years with the various boards of Copley Hospital and Copley Hospital Foundation (now Rush-Copley), and was very involved with the Congregational Church of Batavia, which was founded in 1834 in his great-great grandfather’s cabin near Eola. Tom was a true philanthropist, and gave generously of his time, talent and treasure in a quiet and humble way.

To those who knew Tom best, he had a dry and mischievous wit, with endless patience and a calm demeanor. He was admired by all for his honesty, reliability, intelligence and hard work. Tom was the “quiet glue” that kept the extended Alexander family together, and his commitment to the family and to those he felt responsible for cannot be overstated.

Tom was preceded in death by his brother Walter, and is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Ann Tomson Alexander; three sons, James (Cat Austin) of San Anselmo, CA, Matthew (Kelle Eason) of San Francisco, CA and Peter (Charlotte) of Wilson, WY; two brothers, John (Emily) of Sheffield, MA, Duncan (Kit Keane) of Batavia, sister-in-law Karen Alexander of Geneva, and five adored grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Gifts to the Rush-Copley Movement Disorders Program, or to any of the above charities, are welcome.

Source: Moss Family Funeral Homes