NEIL HUGH ALEXANDER
June 25, 1965 - March 24, 2015
Neil died peacefully in his sleep, holding the hand of his wife, Suzanne, with his beloved sister, Shawn, by his side, his two precious children, Abby and Patrick, and "the best dogs in the world," Libby and Benny, close by. Neil, 49, will be remembered for his courage in the face of ALS and all that he did to rally a community to raise awareness, care for other patients and their children, and raise funds for research to find a cure. Many will remember his bold commitment just six weeks before his death to raise $2.5 million to build the $10 million Live Like Lou Center for ALS Research at the University of Pittsburgh. And those who knew him well remember his magnetic storytelling, infectious laugh, commanding presence, kind and humble heart, sense of adventure, and his unparalleled love of anything Pittsburgh, including Hefren-Tillotson (where he served as one of the leading 401(k) experts in Western Pennsylvania), the Pirates, and the amazing people he and his family have come to love since returning to Pittsburgh 22 years ago. Neil was unwilling to let his illness define him, saying, "I have never been hungry. I have never been lonely. I have never lived in fear. It's been a good life. I am lucky."
We invite you to learn more about Neil in the stories below:
Photo essay: "We're doing this for the next guy" -- Pitt Med magazine
Obituary: Neil Alexander / Advocate of ALS research always kept next generation in mind – Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
O’Hara ALS awareness advocate dies at 49 – Pittsburgh Tribune Review
Neil Alexander: A Story of Strength in the Face of Tragedy - The Pittsburgh Foundation