ALEXANDER, Charles C. Passed away peacefully in his sleep, at home, on June 19, 2023. He was able to be with his wife of 65 years, Ann W. Alexander and family on Father's Day, the day before.

Charlie was born on February 22, 1936 in Cambridge, MA. His parents were Virginia G. Alexander and William D. Alexander. The son of a teacher, he was raised at and graduated from Middlesex School in 1953 and most recently served on its Board of Trustees. After Middlesex, he went on to graduate from Williams College, B.A. ('57), Harvard University, M.A.T. ('59), Trinity College, M.A in Classics ('68). He was a Fulbright scholar in 1964 at the American Academy in Rome.

In 1958, he began his teaching career as a Fellow at Phillips Academy in Andover, MA. From there he went to teach at William Penn Charter School in Philadelphia from 1959-60. In August of 1960, he was recruited to Groton School by his former mentor and master teacher, Frank May Benton, who had moved from Andover to Groton, MA.

For 48 years, Charlie committed his life to Groton School and exhibited through his humility, scholarship, loyalty and passion, all the traits of a dedicated boarding school teacher, coach, advisor and mentor. Charlie's emphatic and bellowing voice could often be heard echoing throughout the School House and on the sports fields. Ann and Charlie built a life in lockstep with the institution. Together, they ran a household of hospitality and raised their children, Beth, Sarah, Chris and Katie, in the backdrop of the school and felt fortunate to be part of such a stimulating community.

In 2008, Charlie and Ann retired to South Dartmouth, MA, and spent the last 15 years enjoying the quiet of Massachusetts' South Coast, where Charlie enjoyed birding, watching Red Sox games and visiting with family and old friends, especially around the dinner table filled with lively conversation. Charlie was known as poppy to his grandchildren and developed unique relationships with each of them through his humorous manner. He will be remembered for his grammar lessons and funny quips, and his obsession with sea shells and antique clocks and his full head of cotton-like white hair.

Charlie is survived by his wife, Ann Alexander; and three children and their spouses, Sarah A. MacEachern and husband, John, C. Christian, Alexander, Jr. and wife, Harriet, Katherine A. Sears and husband, Nathaniel; and nine adoring grandchildren, Liza, Will, John, Rebecca, Annie, Meg, Charlie, Clay and Cora. He was predeceased by his parents; his brother, William D. Alexander, Jr.; and his daughter, Elizabeth W. Alexander.

The Alexander family greatly appreciates Charlie's compassionate caregivers of the last six months.

A Memorial Service will be held at St. John's Chapel on the campus of Groton School, at 2:00 p.m., on Sunday, August 6, 2023. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent to the following institutions, Groton School, Middlesex School, and Williams College.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Boston Globe from Jun. 30 to Jul. 9, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles ALEXANDER

13 Entries

monique brault rasetti

August 8, 2023

My sincere condolences. Monique A. Rasetti. Pineto. Italy.

Jaideep Chawla

August 6, 2023

Mr. Alexander was my football coach for three years. Although our team was not the most successful, I will never forget the time spent in practice and at games due in large part to Mr. Alexander. He was direct and unforgettable: I still think about his booming voice and his wit. Although I did not have him as a teacher or formal advisor, Mr. Alexander took the time to help me find a way to take a class that changed my life: I would have missed the opportunity without his guidance. Mr. Alexander, you will always be an irreplaceable part of my high school years and my life. I miss you and send my condolences to your family. Thank you, Mr. Alexander, for everything.

Jack Macomber

July 19, 2023

As a volunteer with Coastal Neighbors Network, I was fortunate to meet Charlie while driving him to several appointments. I thoroughly enjoyed his intellect and sense of humor. Needless to say, our conversations always revolved around Boston sports(particularly the Red Sox and Patriots) with a sprinkling of politics now and then.
I was with Ann this morning and she informed me of Charlie´s passing. I will miss Charlie and extend my condolences to Ann and the Alexander family.

Harry Davison

July 17, 2023

I can't separate my memories of Groton School from my memories of Charlie Alexander. He was the very embodiment of the institution as a teacher and as a coach. I was particularly fortunate to see him in the role of father and husband. It was a full picture that gave me as an adolescent a glimpse of what adulthood could look like. I felt I might be lucky to live up to that standard.
In the class room he was an earnest teacher who helped me as I struggled simultaneously with puberty and the Dative Case. I may not remember much Latin from that class, but I know that what is left over after I have forgotten the Latin is what is really important.
Among the students our nickname for him was Chuckles, indicative of his good humor even in the eyes of jaded adolescents. When I called him to see if I had been accepted early to college he paused for a moment and said, "Harry, Yale had the wit, and the wisdom, to admit you." I have lost the letter that Yale sent, but have always remembered his words. Nil nisi bonum.

Callie Rogers Emery Brundige

July 11, 2023

Dear Ann, I am incredibly sorry to hear of your family´s loss. Please know that I remember you both with great love and respect. My sincere condolences, Callie

TAD DeGray

July 11, 2023

The Alexander household was a second home to me during my formidable years in High School, and Charlie was always an intimidating but positive role model for me. He personally took me on college visits on a road trip throughout the Midwest (talk about a hands on college advisor). His belief in my potential helped me to overcome challenges and strive for excellence. I am forever grateful for his mentorship, which played a pivotal role in shaping who I am today. His warm smile, comforting words, and ability to make everyone feel valued were respected by me and my peers.

Has anyone noticed the recent Red Sox surge?

TAD

William P Cooper III

July 11, 2023

In the fall of 1965, as a small and clumsy Second Former from a small town in Tennessee, Mr Alexander laid out the grammar and syntax of Latin so clearly for a beginner that I got the confidence I could succeed at Groton School (where I subsequently studied not only Latin but Greek.) I will be forever grateful for his abilities as a teacher and as a friend.

Tom Cleveland

July 11, 2023

I was so lucky to have Charlie in my life as a coach and as a Latin teacher. He was the line and linebacker coach as I recall and was not the biggest kid that he ever coached. His encouragement was inspiring and led us to perform beyond our own expectations. What a delightful man! I will miss his presence and send love and condolensces to his family.

Ephraim Greenwall

July 11, 2023

A memorable teacher of young people at a critical time in their development. Of generous character and uncompromising personal ethics. Charles Alexander could see past the chaos of adolescent trauma and envision rich futures for even the most distressed among his students. He was a gift to my generation. I was and remain grateful.

James s Lockney

Planted Trees

Jim Lockney

July 8, 2023

I came to Groton School in July of 1990. I worked in the Athletic Department as an equipment manager, coach of thirds and jv football for the next 30 years. I was one of Charles's biggest fans. We coached jv football together for several years prior to his retirement. He was my mentor in too many ways to digress. I am deeply saddened by his passing, but hope to catch up with him down the road. Charlie was so much more than a teacher and a coach. He was the guiding light for so many Groton School students, as well as the Faculty, students and staff. I was among so few who had the opportunity to attend Charles' retirement
ceremony at Groton School.
Suffice it to say, Charles Alexander was a
"GIFT FROM GOD." I am ever so grateful that he was
a part of my life. I love you Charlie.
Jim Lockney

Beth Bornstein & Richard Lane

Planted Trees

Deborah Forde

July 3, 2023

I feel a connection to the Alexander family. My late mother, Irma (Freeman) Forde, spoke fondly of them often through my early years. She babysat for the "Alexander Boys" when they were young and lived nearby in Belmont. She exchanged Christmas greetings with Mr and Mrs Alexander for many years. If she were still living, I know she would send her sincere condolences, as do I.

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