Alexander ("Sandy") Hamilton

Alex Hamilton was a life-long educator, chess-player, bagpiper and tea / coffee lover. He leaves a legacy that inspires and encourages all who knew him. He died instantly, peacefully on June 9, 2022 in his sunny Redondo Beach home.

He was born on December 6, 1944 in Brooklyn, New York to Scottish-immigrant father Andrew Hamilton, and Irish-immigrant mother Mary Kellett. He was dubbed "Sandy" and was especially close to his sister Kathleen who was nearer to him in age than oldest-sister Marie. As a young man he was a champion handball player, and developed an early love for chess. He also wanted to learn the bagpipes, but his father strongly advised against it. "Take up something practical, son. Like the piano! You don't have to march in a parade, nor carry a piano." But as a youthful act of rebellion, Sandy took up the bagpipes. Decades later, he was Pipe Major for the County Tyrone Pipe Band: New York City's oldest. For a few years, on St. Patrick's Day he proudly led his pipers and drummers in the televised Parade down 5th Avenue.

In college he worked as a clerk typing stock-certificates at a large bank, then supervised the logistics & distribution of Thomas's English Muffins where he learned to drive an 18-wheeler and developed a great love for carbs. He even did a stint as a New York City taxi driver for a summer, which made him a skillful, confident driver ever after.

Alex earned his Masters' Degree at St. John's University. He started as a teacher of high school students, and became licensed as a NYC High School Principal after earning a PhD-equivalent professional diploma from Pace University that entitled him to be called "Dr. Hamilton". Few knew that, as Alex never introduced himself by his title.

He was a creative, joyful and bold with an insatiably curious mind and an astonishingly wide array of interests. What made him unique was that his curiosity was often immediately followed by action: "Let's google that!" As a result, Alex always had something interesting going on, which made him an engaging and energizing person. He had a zest for living and learning that inspired others. He was the first person in his family to go to college, and helping others achieve their goals through education was one of his passions. In his later years he was involved in guiding students on both the East Coast and West Coast.

He also loved his local chess club in Alondra Park. He counted it a great game - even when he lost - if he had learned something. And he had such fun with it: few days passed without playing some form of the game. On lichess.org, Sandy ended up ranking in the 88th percentile.

Alex was an active member of Journey of Faith Church in Manhattan Beach. He came to a full measure of faith in his mid-40s. Still, he was quite shy about it in some circles. He believed that faith and goodness are best shown with deeds instead of words, and he lived accordingly. Alex was generous with his time, his energy, his finances, and his willingness to invest in others.

He met even life's biggest challenges with a calm heart. "Do not be anxious. All will be well" was a frequent, empathetic refrain. Then again, he also sometimes said, "A problem postponed is a problem half-solved." And Alex was skillful at avoiding anything he did not want to deal with.

He often quoted Abraham Lincoln's observation that ""Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be." And so, Alex did choose to be happy. Every day. He was also excellent at forgiving himself.

Alex was always surprising. His curiosity was like a 7-year old's. But what was unique about Alex is that he acted on his curiosity -- always following the thread to some new discovery, always finding new music, art, books, and videos on a dazzling variety of topics.

Thus, he was always interesting. Sometimes long-winded or meandering - which is unexpected, as he was the winning debate coach for 2 championship teams -- Alex was also quite witty. Levity and laughter followed him. Yet he could also be firm, and fierce in his stand against injustice. He rarely got angry, but when provoked he could out-think and out-maneuver most comers.

Alex's legacy is one of hope, joy, inspiration and ACTION. He is survived by wife Edith Miszti Hamilton, parents-in-law, Edith's 3 siblings and their families, with 7 nieces and nephews on the West Coast. He is also survived by 3 children, Andy, Dan and Mary who each play the bagpipes, and their 3 spouses and 6 children.

Alex Hamilton's funeral service will be held on June 25, 2022 at 10 AM, at Journey of Faith Church at 1243 Artesia Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA. It will be followed by a reception at 11:30 AM, and encryption at Green Hills Cemetery in Rancho Palos Verdes at 3 PM. Arrangements are being directed through Green Hills Mortuary.

Those who wish to remember Alex in a special way may make a fully-tax-deductible gift (in lieu of flowers, please) to the "Alexander T. Hamilton Memorial Scholarship Fund" at https://bold.org/funds/alexander-t-hamilton-memorial-scholarship-fund/