Carl M. Alexander of Henrietta, NY (93) died June 5, 2025 at Highland Hospital, Rochester,NY.
Born in Hornell, NY he was predeceased by his daughter, Ann E. Ehmann (2018) and son-in-law, Mark Ehmann, (2011); his parents, Harriet (Stephens) and Earl Alexander; brother, Robert (Bob) Alexander; two infant sisters, an infant brother, and sisters Eileen Studley and Verna Rice.
Carl was a 1950 graduate of Hornell High School where he was a class officer for three of the four years and an outstanding basketball player. A U.S. Navy veteran, he participated in the Korean Conflict, was there when the Armistice was signed and then completed a trip around the World which included crossing the Equator where he went from being a “pollywog” to becoming a “Shellback”. Following graduation from Alfred Agriculture and Technical College in 1958, he moved to Rochester, NY where he was employed by Rochester Gas & Electric Co. and where he met his wife, Dora Lee. While growing up and living only five miles apart in Canisteo and Hornell, NY, it was Carl needing a pre employment chest x-ray that fate determined they would meet in the Rochester Radiology office where Dora Lee was employed. Married on October 3, 1959, they celebrated 65 and ½ years together. Always happy he had chosen RG&E for his career, Carl retired after 36 years of service in 1993.
A Charter member of the Henrietta Volunteer Ambulance, he worked tirelessly for that Organization in its formative years. Serving in many capacities which included Driver, EMT, several titles as a Board Member and the Presidency, Carl was proud of the contributions this Organization made to the Henrietta Community. A former member of Christ View United Methodist Church Carl chose to no longer commit to a particular congregation but remained faithful in his heart. Having been a “White Hat” in the Navy, he was pleased to have been a member of the local NROM (Naval Reserve Officer’s Mess) and that the By-Laws were changed so he and another “White Hat” member could become officers of that group and then President. He treasured the friendships made at the many meetings and activities. For many years, biennial reunions of the USS Preston, DD795 were attended which took he and Dora to places all over the United States. While traveling to those reunions, Dora did not always appreciate the ribald Navy songs Carl would sing to her though they did make her laugh. A highlight was the reunion hosted by Carl and another shipmate at Bath, NY.
A devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather, he is survived by his wife Dora Lee (Snyder) Alexander of Henrietta; Son Thomas (Karen) Alexander of Horseheads; his treasured granddaughters, Jenna Ehmann, Henrietta and Nicole Ehmann, Avon, Katherine Alexander, Charlotte, NC; Jessica Alexander, Ellington, CT; Sisters, Carol Rice, Hornell, NY; Mary Studley, Henrietta, NY; brother, James (Sue) Alexander, Denver, NC; sisters-in-law, Frances (Eugene) Bloom, Titusville, PA and Linda Norton, Canisteo, NY. Many nieces, nephews and loving friends.
No prior calling hours. A celebration of Carl’s life will be held on Sunday, June 15th at 1:00 P.M. at Rush UM Church, 6200 Rush Lima Road (Rt. 15A), Rush, NY with the Rev. Beth Malone officiating. The service will include military honors. CLICK HERE for a map to Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Carl’s memory may be sent to the Hornell Salvation Army at PO Box 398, Hornell, NY 14843 or the Hornell High School Alumni Scholarship Fund, of which he was so proud. Donations will be accepted at HHS Alumni Association, PO Box 135, Hornell, NY 14843.
