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Neil Hugh Alexander

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University of Pittsburgh

Neil Alexander Obituary

Name: Celebration of Life for Neil Hugh Alexander
Start: 2015-03-28T18:00:00.000Z
Location: Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church

Alexander Neil Hugh Alexander, 49, from complications due to Lou Gehrig's Disease. Neil died peacefully in his sleep, holding the hand of his wife, Suzanne, with his beloved sister, Shawn, by his side, his two precious children, Abby and Patrick, and "the best dogs in the world" Libby and Benny close by. Neil will be remembered for his courage in the face of ALS and all that he did to rally a community to raise awareness, care for other patients and their children, and raise funds for research to find a cure. Many will remember his bold commitment just 6 weeks ago to raise $2.5 million to build the $10 million LiveLikeLou Center for ALS Research at the University of Pittsburgh. And those who knew him well remember his magnetic storytelling, infectious laugh, commanding presence, kind and humble heart, sense of adventure, and his unparalleled love of anything Pittsburgh. Neil was unwilling to let his illness define him, saying "I have never been hungry. I have never been lonely. I have never lived in fear. It's been a good life. I am lucky". The lucky family who loved him most include: late mother, LoraLee McGeary; father, Dick (Nancy); mother-in-law, Colleen Lydon; sister, Shawn (Jack Jones); brothers, Rick (Jennifer Royall), Todd (Beth) and Jonathan Alexander; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Jeannine and Gregg Dittoe; nieces, Sarah Alexander and Alexandria Scott; and nephews, Matthew, Benjamin and Jacob Alexander. Please join us to remember Neil's good life 2 p.m. Saturday, March 28, at the Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church, 384 Fox Chapel Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238. In lieu of flowers, please honor Neil's desire to "leave ALS better than he found it" by donating either to The Pittsburgh Foundation, earmarked for LiveLikeLou.org, at 5 PPG Place, Suite 250, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222 or, if intending to donate to research directly, to the University of Pittsburgh, earmarked for the LiveLikeLou Center for ALS Research, at University of Pittsburgh, Forbes Tower, Suite 8084, 3600 Forbes Avenue at Meyran, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213.

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

Published by The Columbus Dispatch from Mar. 25 to Mar. 26, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Neil Alexander

21 Entries

Sue Miller

April 2, 2015

We, here in the Miller family, were so sorry to hear of Neil's passing. I have seen all of you many times at several fund raisers and truely admired your love and devotion of each other. My hearts go out to all of you! Love Sue Miller

March 29, 2015

Our sincerest condolences, Suzanne, on the loss of Neil. He is an inspiration. We all can take a lesson on how he lived his life. LiveLikeNeil.
Mary Jackline and family

March 27, 2015

So very sorry to hear...my mother also had ALS...may his Memory be Eternal.

Kylee Clements, Curbside Coffeehouse

March 27, 2015

I was really saddened to hear of Neil's passing and am thinking of your family during this emotional time. Please accept my deepest condolences.

Sy Holzer

March 27, 2015

It is with great sadness to learn about the passing of such a wonderful man. He and Suzanne have contributed so much to the community and he will be remembered by the countless individuals he helped throughout his life. My deepest and sincere sympathy goes out to his entire family at this very difficult time.

Lula Long-Gardner

March 27, 2015

My condolences to Mrs. Alexander and family,
I've enjoyed Mr.Alexander's contribution to The Hefren-Tillotson Radio Broadcast.
May The Lord Comfort You All

Brandy Counihan

March 27, 2015

"Those we love don't go away, They walk beside us every day,Unseen, unheard, but always near, Still loved, still missed and very dear. Author Unknown" Our thoughts are with you and your family as such hard time. We hope you find peace in knowing what an inspiration he was to so many people.

Denny Scalese

March 27, 2015

To the family and friends,
I never met Mr Alexander. I just read this beautifully written obituary, and I wish I would have known him. He sounds like he was an amazing man, and a tremendous blessing in all of your lives. My family and I will pray for all of you, that your pain becomes more bearable. I am so very sorry for your loss.

Bob Kelley

March 27, 2015

Linda and I were saddened to hear of Neil's death. I served with Neil on the Board of the Western Pennsylvania ALS Association and I saw his constant efforts to help find a cure or treatment for ALS. You have our sympathy.

Beverly Langley

March 27, 2015

Our thoughts are with you all. Neil was an amazing individual.

Tomette S

March 26, 2015

My heart breaks for you at the loss of your husband. I first saw you and Neil on the PBS special, he was so brave, and an inspiration to all. God bless you and your family.

Elaine, John, Jack and Andrew Zawada

March 26, 2015

Dear Dick, Nancy and Jon, we were very saddened to hear of the loss of your son and brother Neil. He was an inspiration to us in the Wishing Wells neighborhood - we will never forget our walks as "Team Neil Together". My beloved aunt/Godmother died of ALS in 1990, and I appreciate Neil's (and your family's) tireless efforts to raise awareness and funds for ALS research. Thinking of you and may God give you strength during this difficult time.

fred mitsch

March 26, 2015

Please accept our deepest condolences. At this moment of daunting grief there is a mountain of gratitude for a life so well lived. Neil's devotion to his family and our community are an inspiration to us all. As to his bravery and courage , I'm speechless in awe of this man. With our heartfelt prayers to the Alexander Family. Fred Mitsch and Family

Linda Kelly

March 26, 2015

I am so sorry for the passing of your loving husband Neil. May God comfort you during this difficult time.

Eleanor Hickly

March 26, 2015

May you rest in peace in the arms of our Lord. My son died 9/28/04 at the age of 41 with ALS leaving a wife and four daughters.... MY deepest sympathy to the Neil Alexander family... May God give you strength to accept his call... God Bless all of you and you are in my prayers Eleanor Hickly

March 26, 2015

Dear Alexander family, I am so sorry for your loss. My son bought Neil's Lexus last summer. We met for a short time at AAA for the transaction and will never forget how wonderful you both were. We will keep you and your family in our prayers. He was a lucky man to have such a loving family. Take care of yourselves. Neil is in a good place now and without pain. Sincerely, the Troiano family

March 26, 2015

Neil was the youngest entrepreneur I have ever known. He could sell snow to eskimos with his winning personality. A tragic loss to a wonderful family. Helen Lias

Kris Dolan

March 26, 2015

So sorry for your loss, Great memories of Neil in CBA football when we were kids. God bless and Prayers to all the Alexander family.
Kris Dolan

March 26, 2015

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

March 26, 2015

The sad thoughts of this loss reverse to positive when thinking of Neil. He was such an inspiration for so many of us. He was so energetic, kind and enthusiastic. His love of life, can only make me thankful for having a chance to know him and work with him on his passion of helping others in Livelikelou.org.
I pray for Suzanne who..." Behind Every Great Man Lies a Great Woman" and the two precious children of this amazing couple Abby and Patrick.

With Love,
Ann O'Day Heinauer

March 25, 2015

"During all their distress it was distressing to him...In his love and compassion...he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old." (Isaiah 63:9) Please know that our Heavenly Father knows the pain you feel and promises to carry you through this distressing time.

E.W, ILLINOIS

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