Book of Memories for Alexander Ypsilanti

Story shared: This is February?

Mon, 31 Mar 2014 13:46:39 EDT

In 1974 Alex visited me in Phoenix AZ. It was February. We went out to the nearby High School's parade grounds where there were volley ball, tennis, football and baseball courts and fields set up. As we were playing volleyball, Alex stopped and stared at the beautiful clear and blue sky. "What's wrong Al," I asked. "Nothing, its just that two days ago I was stepping through a foot of snow and today, here I am in a T-shirt and shorts, playing volleyball" God Bless you Al. Hope to be with you again someday. Hey maybe playing volleyball

Your big brother Bill

Condolence From Diane Bruskas-Berry

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 23:56:55 EDT

Sending prayers and condolences. May God give you strength and comfort during this difficult time.

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Fri, 12 Apr 2013 08:33:14 EDT

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Fri, 12 Apr 2013 08:31:17 EDT

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Fri, 12 Apr 2013 06:11:25 EDT

The young Ypsilanti Brothers

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Fri, 12 Apr 2013 00:14:57 EDT

Brother Bill, Suzanne & Zoie

Story shared: Carpenter Par Excellance

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 20:41:41 EDT

My husband Allen and I have been friends with Alex and Sharie for many years. We’ve gone on numerous outings together (looking for turtles!), as well as just hanging out, having dinner and enjoying each other’s company. Alex also built our turtle habitat, which is in our kitchen, as well as a bookcase and a kitchen cabinet with drawers. Just last week, a roll of masking tape got stuck, and kept us from being able to open the top drawer. We asked the super’s assistant for help. He was in awe of the construction job Alex had done. “Who did this work?” he said. “He did a great job—he glued it and he nailed it together.”

Condolence From Judith Ellsworth

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 20:04:35 EDT

Memories of Alex, Shari< Evan & Eric ,through adolescence, playing in band with Jon, then fixing Mom's washing machine after moving it from the basement. The great love he always had for Shari & Kids! His sense of humor. His courageous battle with GBM this last year. He will now prepare a room in his Father's House of many mansions where he & son will await the arrival of His beloved Shari, Evan & Eric. No more suffering & pain! He will be sorely missed on this earth.

Condolence From Pat Burlage

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 18:27:18 EDT

Although I've only met Alex a few times, having worked with Shari for many years, I feel as though I know him too. I know about the great dad he has been to Evan and Eric, and I know that Shari and Alex shared not only love, but a very deep friendship as well. Alex will be greatly missed by all who knew him, and I would like to extend my condolences to Shari, Evan, & Eric. With love, Pat Burlage

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Thu, 11 Apr 2013 11:12:04 EDT

Alex, Shari & Evan on vacation with the Cucci Clan

Condolence From Irene Maher

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 11:03:32 EDT

Alex and I met at PS 32 in Yonkers, "I was 6th grade, he was 5th grade...". Our love of "Squirrel and Moose" and Fractured Fairy Tales are among my earliest favorite memories.There is just a treasure trove of great times we shared and I will hold them in my heart forever. From our antics of teen-age and young adulthood: like the time we crashed a Halloween Party at a mansion in Rye and they thought we were the exotic dancers they hired(!!!), to sailing out of City Island on his boat, to sharing the joys of finding our soulmates and becoming parents, the many jam sessions, the turtle parties he did for our kids,the list could go on and on and on..... The Turtle Man is sailing, Sailing seven seas. His smile dances on the waves. His voice is in the breeze. The crest of surf and endless sands are where you'll find his spirit. Just sit still and close your eyes and you'll be sure to hear it! Don, Colleen, Eamonn and I send our love and deepest condolences to Shari, Evan, Eric

Condolence From Kevin Brownie

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 10:53:06 EDT

After his first surgery Alex told us he thought he was waking up on our patio where we enjoyed his and Sharie's company so many times. We will miss him, but always feel his presence among us nevertheless. Our condolences to Sharie, Evan, and Eric.

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Thu, 11 Apr 2013 09:38:31 EDT

Alex & Shari in Staatsburg, NY

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Thu, 11 Apr 2013 07:33:08 EDT

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Thu, 11 Apr 2013 07:33:04 EDT

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Thu, 11 Apr 2013 07:33:04 EDT

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Thu, 11 Apr 2013 07:30:06 EDT

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Thu, 11 Apr 2013 07:28:25 EDT

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Thu, 11 Apr 2013 07:22:31 EDT

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Thu, 11 Apr 2013 07:18:52 EDT

Alex's 56 Birthday, we love you Al

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Thu, 11 Apr 2013 07:06:48 EDT

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Condolence From Doug Chin

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 02:44:39 EDT

My deepest condolences to Alex's family. It's been years but he was such a memorable guy. I first met Alex in the mid-80s at my first NYTTS meeting. His personality and humor drew you in and his enthusiasm for turtles was infectious. Even though I was a newbie he always had time for me and I learned so much from him. It was always a special treat visiting his apartment to see his collection and I often copied his designs as he really spoiled his turtles! Though I lost touch with Alex I will never forget the times we hung out and his warm and kind spirit. Rest well my friend.....we will meet again.

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Thu, 11 Apr 2013 02:06:24 EDT

Alex with Goddaughter Rachel

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Thu, 11 Apr 2013 02:04:03 EDT

Alex playing guitar at Laura & Len's

Condolence From Mary Ann Cucci

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 01:56:35 EDT

I met Alex in April 1985. We were in our late 20's. I opened the door to the farmhouse at Gary Null's "Fertile Earth Farm" in Upstate NY and there was Alex in his brown suede jacket and white carpenter's pants. We've been friends ever since. Alex- a warm loving patient man with a quick joke and a focused smile and beautiful golden brown eyes. We never knew back then when we went to a party whether he'd show up as dashing Alex or "Big Al". I feel honored to have had his snapping turtle named after me. Funny but it fit my personality! My dear dear life long friend Alex. Everyone's life is enriched by knowing you. You are in my Heart forever. -Mary Ann

Condolence From Patricia Breinin

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 18:12:30 EDT

St. Francis has always been my favorite saint because he cared for all creatures, he lived a simple life, and he was a wise man. If anyone in my life ever came close to following in his path, it was Alex. We are all blessed for having known him, and it is up to us to honor him with acts of kindness. Thanks, Alex for your warmth, your inspiration and your wonderful sense of humor. May your family find comfort in knowing that yours was a life well lived, and that you are only as far away as our ability to see you.

Condolence From Coletta Savage

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 12:48:07 EDT

Mrs Ypsilanti, may I extend my sincere condolences. I didn't know Alex too well; but what I do remember of him at the Ferncliff family group, is that he was a kind, caring soul. May GOD keep you and your family in his care, as you struggle through this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely, Coletta Savage.

Story shared: Master Craftsman

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 12:41:53 EDT

When my 50-year-old kitchen cabinets were falling off their hinges and my linoleum floor was rotted down to the floorboards, not to mention a stove that caught on fire on a regular basis, I knew it was time to renovate my kitchen. I interviewed about a dozen carpenters and didn't like any of them. One even told me that it would be impossible to install cabinets because of a problem with the wall. That's when Alex's good friend Gerry suggested I call Alex. And am I ever grateful I did. Not only was he a master craftsman, he became a good friend as well. Alex worked with precision, and care, and was meticulous and creative. And he listened to NPR all day. Who ever heard of a carpenter who listens to NPR? But that was Alex. He entertained us with stories about turtles and nature. When he had to travel to Florida for his mother-in-law's funeral in the middle of our job, he worked on weekends so we wouldn't be without a kitchen for too long. Thanks to Alex, we had a beautiful kitchen that we enjoyed for six years. And he made it possible for me to sell my co-op and move to the home of my dreams in upstate NY, in the small town of Pawling where Alex used to visit on turtle expeditions. Most people can't wait to see the end of their contractors. I hear horror stories from everyone I know. I was sad when our kitchen was finished because I knew I wouldn't see Alex on a daily basis unless I lured him back with the promise of a Scrabble game. I wish that Alex could see my new home but I know his spirit is lurking about, free as the turtles he loved so much.

Condolence From Jerry Morano

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 20:29:36 EDT

Alex, my dear friend, I want to thank you for living such a beautiful life that left so much to so many. Your kind heart, your incredible love and care for all things that surrounded you leaves an indelible mark for generations to come. I'll miss your spirit, your intellect, your conversations, your wondeful, wry sense of humor, your intense dedication to make things better..but most of all I'll miss you always!

Story shared: Love of Sailing

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 17:07:08 EDT

When I lived in New York I owned a sailboat, bought from my friend Kenny who sold it to me when he moved to Florida. Alex and I had a number of sailing adventures on that boat. Kenny had docked the boat at various marinas along Long Island’s north shore. A number of times alex, Kenny, and I sailed out from Greenport and the Little Egypt Marina heading for Block Island, the Monomoys, and Nantucket to name just a few of our destinations. One adventure that comes to mind happened after I became the skipper of the boat. At that time I docked the boat at a marina in Pelham Bay owned by two Canadian brothers, Francois and Jacques. . Alex and I took out a group of friends and acquaintances for an afternoon sail. It was August and a very humid New York day. The winds had been desultory most of the trip which was only from City Island to Kingsport. In the west, over New Jersey I observed dark clouds moving in and asked Alex to lower the mainsail while I started the outboard. Just then the squall hit and visibility went to zero. I told our guests to get below and that everything would be okay. The picture in my mind I have is of Alex wearing his black and red checkered corduroy bathrobe (how it got on board is a mystery) holding on to the mast for dear life while the bathrobe flew around him. In a few minutes the storm abated and we got back to the dock, wet but uninjured. When a few years later I moved to Florida, Alex still wanted the boat which he and his friends enjoyed for several more years. May you have calm seas and fair winds, my brother. “I must go down to the sea again, to the lonely sea and the sky; and all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by” John Masefield

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Tue, 09 Apr 2013 13:44:32 EDT

Condolence From Maryalice Valane

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 13:22:59 EDT

I went home as a caregiver with Alex and Sharie's younger son, Eric for approximately a year. I am so saddened to hear of his loss. Eric was absolutely crazy about his father and Alex had the warmest spirit and a sense of humor that I will never forget. Sharie and Evan, my prayers and love are with you. Eric will miss his father tremendously, but Alex will always be here in spirit. My deepest condolences during this tragic time. He is now in peace.

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Tue, 09 Apr 2013 10:58:32 EDT

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Condolence From Etta

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 09:23:30 EDT

My heart goes out to Sherie, Evan and Eric. Alex truly was an amazing soul who loved everyone around him, kept his childlike amazement of the world in all that he did and made everyone smile. We will all miss him profoundly.

Story shared: Love of Nature

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 07:21:22 EDT

Growing up in the Bronx we had many animals in and around the house. Al got to watch as I tried to get tropical fish to spawn and we even had an old refrigerator in the back yard that our neighbor had converted into a 60 gallon tank where Al watched the turtles eat the worms he fed them. About two years after I after I moved to Arizona Alex came for a 'visit' which lasted almost a year. We camped at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and visited many other natural wonders. He heard about a program being organized to take young people up to the Mogollon Rim country to reforest where forest fires had destroyed many of the trees. I drove Al up to the area but found no sign of life. Alex said, "well just leave me, I'll be fine" So like an IDIOT I left my brother with a bottle of water, a sleeping bag and a sandwich. I watched as he walked down an old logging road and disappear into the woods. About a week later I got a call from him (the longest week of my life, "hello mom? Oh, Alex is fine, he is planting trees in Northern Arizona. Where is he staying? Oh........with friends....." OMG! if my mom had known..........) Two weeks later I opened the newspaper and there in the second section was a story about the Youth Group planting trees and of course!!!! A photo of my baby brother helping a young lady planting a tree. (Am going to miss you little bro...)

Condolence From Chris Knoeppel

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 21:27:43 EDT

To say that Alex"s life touched so many would be an understatement. I cannot think of another person who was as gentle, soft spoken, caring, and quick-witted, as Al.He has so many friends, and i think it's safe to say that we all feel like we were among the closest.He was just that kind of guy,one of the special ones.I will always remember his infectious laugh, and huge smile.Rest in peace my friend, a life well lived.

Story shared: Playing Scrabble

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 19:26:07 EDT

Alex was a Scrabble addict and the best player I've ever competed with. Competed is not quite the right word, because Alex beat me every time we played, and it was never even close. I was no competition for Alex, and never thought I was bad at the game until I played with him. He had a nack for making high-scoring words. His great vocabulary combined with his strategic mind made in a Scrabble play par excellence. I hated losing all the time, but if I wanted Alex's company, an invitation to play Scrabble was a sure bet to see him. So I kept inviting him over to play, knowing how much he loved the game. I don't think I'll ever be able to play Scrabble again without thinking of Alex.

Condolence From Susan Schwartzman and Gilbert Zachary

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 18:55:05 EDT

Alex was a bright, shining light and beautiful soul. We will miss his vibrant spirit, his wit, humor, and friendship.

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Mon, 08 Apr 2013 18:45:49 EDT

Condolence From Aster, Marybeth, Elizabeth and Katelyn Laleman

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 17:10:40 EDT

It is said that our actions have a ripple effect on the lives of others - if this is so, then Alex can walk through the gates of heaven with his back to an ocean of gentle and vast intersecting ripples. The impact of one man can never be adequately measured. But with Alex - it was huge.

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Mon, 08 Apr 2013 13:26:39 EDT