Alexander Anthony Picozzi

Alexander Anthony Picozzi, of Scottsdale, Arizona, passed away peacefully at home on January 4, 2026, surrounded by family. He was 93.

"Al" or "Alex," as he was affectionately known, is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Sunny, his four children, April Schmeiser of Scottsdale, Arizona, John Sommers (Huilin) of Chandler, Arizona, David Picozzi (Bethany) of Warwick, New York, and Giancarlo Picozzi (Rebecca) of New York City. He is also survived by his sister Jeanette Picozzi of Tucson, Arizona, along with eleven grandchildren, and sixteen great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carmine Picozzi and Theresa DeCarmine, and his sister Paula Wesner.

Alexander was born on April 13, 1932, in the Greenpoint neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. An entrepreneur by nature, he started working for himself at twelve years old, selling Coca-Cola's to US GI's stationed near his home. By the time he reached high school, Alexander had become an avid musician and played trumpet professionally across the city's jazz clubs. After holding several jobs throughout his early career, Alexander returned to his entrepreneurial roots in 1965, when he purchased the Beaver Student Bookstore near the City College of New York, beginning his career in the book business.

After fifteen successful years, Alexander retired from the book business in 1980. A modern day Renaissance man, he dedicated the second half of his life to his favorite sports, appreciation of the arts, and quality time spent with family and friends. Alexander played softball into his 60s, skied into his late-70s, and golfed into his early-90s, proudly scoring his age and besting his adult sons on the course. He also possessed a great appreciation of the arts and enjoyed visiting museums; attending operas, Broadway plays, and jazz recitals; and dining at his favorite restaurants with a good bottle of wine. Most important to Alexander, however, was the time he spent with family and friends. Whether he was traveling with family to Europe, watching horse races with friends in Saratoga, or playing golf with his regular Saturday group in Arizona, Alexander was rarely alone.

If a life's worth is measured by experiences shared with those closest to us, then Alexander lived an incredibly rich life. He will always be remembered for his passion for life and the ways in which he improved the lives of those around him.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made in Alexander's memory to the Paralyzed Veterans of America.