Alexander John Savides was born in Wheeling, West Virginia on September 2, 1924, the eldest of three children. His parents, Irene Koconis and John Savidis emigrated from Greece several years prior and established roots in the mid-West. Alex would be the first-generation American in this new family, an honor for which he had great pride.

Because he was raised in the turbulent 1930’s, in the heart of the Great Depression, his father moved the family from Youngstown, Ohio to New York City where better opportunities for work presented themselves. This would be a fateful move in Alex’s life for this is where he would meet his future wife, companion and friend for life, Rita Crawley.

As a young man living in Brooklyn, NY, Alex spent his days playing sports, particularly handball, and drawing comics. He would become a copyboy at the New York Daily News in their Art Department where he met many of his “heroes” such as Milton Caniff and Noel Sickles – a true thrill for, and influence on, him. He would also join Janes United Methodist Church where the “thunderbolt” - Rita
Crawley - struck him. On August 25, 1946, Rita and Alex became man and wife, a relationship they would foster for the next 68+ years. Over the course of the next 6 years, Rita and Alex would welcome their first daughter, Dorothy Elizabeth; their second, Barbara Joan; and their third, Janet Irene.

Alex was a very creative child, a gift he inherited from his mother. His skill at drawing and writing would influence his career choices, ultimately leading to a position as a topo-draftsman with a New York City engineering firm. While Rita would be mom, wife and homemaker for the next 10 years, Alex did not hesitate to hold several jobs at once to make sure his family was provided for. Among these positions was one he held as a line-cook at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City where he honed his culinary skills much to his family and friends’ delight.

Part of Alex’s joy was his love of art and poetry. He and Rita took great pleasure in vacationing at the artists’ colony in Rockport, MA. Here they would forge lifetime friendships with artists and their families as well as cultivate a love for their works. Roger and Winifred Curtis, Ferd and Phyllis Petrie and Paul and Nancy Strisik would offer creative stimulation and good friendship over the next few decades, their amazing talents on display in Rita and Alex’s lovely home and those of their children. Alex was also an accomplished and award-winning poet. Works such as “Love Eternal”, “The Nomad”, “Imagination” and “Squirrels” are genuine products of his compassion, intelligence, creativity and sense of humor.

Along this noble and notable journey, Alex would be blessed with two grandchildren, John Alexander and Donna Marie; and four great-grandchildren – Nicole Elizabeth; Jessica Lynn; Brannon Dean and Alexander John.

Alex’s family and friends will cherish having known him and having shared part of his life. He will be greatly missed and loved forever.

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