Dennis John Alexander, age 81, of Erie, passed away peacefully on September 21, 2024, at his home. He was born in Erie, PA on November 23, 1942, son to the late Horace W. Alexander and Agnes Kish Alexander.

Besides his parents, he is preceded in death by his daughter Amie Sue Alexander, brother Jack Alexander and former wife Nancy Weber Schaaf.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Schroek Alexander, daughters, Tracie Alexander Lossie, (David), Jennifer Alexander Santos (Ron) and step-daughter Colleen Westling (Robert); five grandchildren, Lauren Tarr (Lukas) and Michael Maurer (Jillian), Ryan and Madison Santos and Truman Westling; as well as two sisters, Gail Abbey and twin sister Elizabeth (Betty) Cimino, in addition to many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

Denny graduated from Academy High School in 1960. He enlisted in the United States Navy in June of 1961. He reported to the USS Leary (DD 879) at Norfolk, VA in January of 1962. He served as an engineering department representative and later was assigned to the forward engine room. While Dennis was aboard The USS Leary, the ship and crew were faced with service in the Cuban Missile Crisis. From October 22 to November 24, 1962, Leary was continuously active in the US Navy blockade of Cuba. The Leary was paired with the US heavy cruiser Newport News and were instrumental with intercepting and escorting the Soviet vessel Labinsk, found to be carrying two Soviet ICBM missiles.

He received a good conduct award and an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for service in the Dominican Republic. Denny left active service on February 28, 1966, and received an honorable Discharge on June 28, 1967 and returned to family in Erie. He was immensely proud of his service to his country.

It’s impossible to wrap up a lifetime of memories and experiences in a single space. He is already missed by his wife Barbara, daughters, sons-in laws and grandchildren. He held a special bond with each of us, leaving a void with his passing. He was known as the dad who would travel near and far for his daughters to lend a hand and expertise in remodeling, or across states to attend a gymnastics competition. He enjoyed having the little ones for an afternoon or overnight to go to the park, playground or beach. His grandchildren meant the world to him.

Denny was a well-known man in the community, a staple of the Erie Sport Store staff. He retired as a branch manager of the Liberty Plaza and the West 8th Street stores after 36 years or service. He was the go-to guy for area skiers and pursued his love of skiing with his wife Barb as long as he could. He was a huge hockey fan and enjoyed cheering on our local Otters hockey team. He enthusiastically celebrated his 80th birthday at a home game as their Honorary Veteran, receiving a personalized jersey.

Besides skiing, Denny had many hobbies that filled his free time. His daughters recall many nights finding dad at his workbench in the basement, building one of more than eight intricate, wooden model ships. He had a lifelong attraction to classic cars, an interest inspired by his father and passed on to his daughters who owned Mustangs.

Denny and Barb loved to travel, visiting their kids and grandchildren around the States and the UK. In retirement, they frequently visited Jamaica, the UK and the British Isles. They also enjoyed sharing many trips with his late daughter, Amie.

The family is comforted knowing that Denny is once again with Amie and brother Jack. Private arrangements entrusted to Burton Quinn-Scott Funeral Home, 602 W 10th St., Erie. Those wishing to honor his memory are asked to please make a donation to any veterans or animal cause or charity in his name.

Gone From My Sight Henry Van Dyke

I am standing upon the seashore. A ship, at my side, spreads her white sails to the moving breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength. I stand and watch her until, at length, she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.

Then, someone at my side says, "There, she is gone."

Gone where?

Gone from my sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast, hull and spar as she was when she left my side. And, she is just as able to bear her load of living freight to her destined port.

Her diminished size is in me -- not in her.

And, just at the moment when someone says, "There, she is gone," there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices ready to take up the glad shout, "Here she comes!"

And that is dying...