Alexander Sermarini

Alexander Francis Sermarini, 90, of Northeast Philadelphia, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2026. Born on April 5, 1935, Alexander grew up at the Sons of Italy Orphanage in West Chester, Pennsylvania. During the summers, he and the other children spent time in Sea Isle City, New Jersey - an experience that sparked in him a lifelong love for the ocean and created deep ties to the Jersey shore. That connection to the sea remained woven throughout his life. Even in his later years, he cherished family reunions in large beach houses, gathering as many of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren as possible under one roof. The name Sermarini translates to "of the sea," and in every sense, he was the perfect reflection of that name. From humble beginnings, he built a life defined by resilience, hard work, and deep devotion to family.

He was the beloved husband of Marguerite Sermarini (Peg) (née Norris), with whom he built a strong and loving family that became his greatest pride. He is survived by his children: daughter, Debora Baseman and her husband, Hal Baseman; son, Alexander Sermarini and his longtime partner, Maureen Burns; son, Anthony Sermarini (who passed away December 31, 2025) and his longtime partner, Jeannie Malone; son, Andrew Sermarini and his wife, Patricia Sermarini; and son, Robert Sermarini. He was a proud grandfather to 15 grandchildren Matt, Mark, Kimberly, Alexander, Jonathan, Michael, Anthony, Chris, Abbie, Christine, Desaray, Nicole, Andrea, Madeline, Debora and a cherished great-grandfather to 23 great-grandchildren Bryce, Allie, Cameron, Kaden, Gianna, Arianna, Lexi, Natalie, Ian, Emery, Chandler, Blake, Carter, Joseph, Collin, Chris, D.J., Sloane, Sophia, Vinny, Kobe, Ace, Lux and with one more on the way. He is also survived by his brother, Joe Sermarini, and was preceded in death by his brother, Frank Sermarini.

Alexander graduated as valedictorian from West Chester High School and then began his career as a bricklayer and later pursued college to become a teacher. Though his path changed, mentoring remained part of who he was. He will also be remembered by countless neighborhood children he coached through the Arthur and Lansing Knights Youth Organization during the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, serving as both coach and role model to generations. The children he coached knew him lovingly as "Mr. Sub," a nickname that followed him through the years and even carried over to his sons. A lifelong sports enthusiast, he coached his own children and rarely missed a televised game, much to his wife's dismay. In retirement, he found great joy working for the Philadelphia Phillies well into his 80s, proudly decorating the players' locker room each Christmas.

A devoted Catholic, Alexander was deeply committed to the Church and lived his faith daily through prayer, service, and steadfast dedication to his family. From orphanage beginnings to becoming the patriarch of a large and loving family, his life stands as a testament to perseverance, faith, strength, and love.

He will always be remembered for the small rituals that made him uniquely himself - like dunking his peanut butter and jelly sandwich into his coffee - and for the example he set for generations. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Relatives and friends are invited to greet Alexander's family on Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at St. Dominic's R.C. Church 8504 Frankford Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19136. His Mass of Christian Burial will follow Saturday at 11:00 am. Alexander will be laid to rest in St. Dominic's Church Yard.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Alexander's name to St. Dominic R.C. Church 8504 Frankford Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19136 would be appreciated.

Alexander's life was a living testament to his deep faith and commitment to his family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. We invite you to share your memories of Alexander and upload photos to the memorial page, to celebrate and remember a life that was lived with so much love and dedication.