Trending
Born Sept. 14, 1926, on the South Side of Youngstown, Thomas "Nick" Alexander celebrated his 100th birthday on Sept. 14, 2026.
Nick grew up on the South Side with his mother, Helen Davis; his father, Dominic; and his younger siblings, George Alexander and Nancy Raymer.
Nick is known for his love of all things cowboys and indians (especially Gunsmoke), puzzles (especially the 1,000-piece ones), Disney (with a special love of Toy Story), and corny jokes.
At 100, he continues to care for his own home and contributes to each family picnic or party by cooking his signature baked beans, deviled eggs and pies. Nick also loves to take day trips -- driving to visit family and friends, shopping, and attending church at St. Patrick in Youngstown, where he is the oldest parishioner.
He met Vivian "Bebe" Black while roller-skating, and they married soon after on July 26, 1947. Together, Nick and Bebe moved to the West Side of Youngstown, where they raised their three sons, Tom, Dennis and Gary. Bebe died in 1993, after 46 years with Nick.
Nick met Pat Beniston and her family, and they now share many memories between both of their families over dinners and holidays.
Nick worked at Ivan Construction Company, Standard Oil and Disney, but always had plenty of time for his family.
He was a Cub Scout leader and a member of Western Reserve Lake Campgrounds, where he would take his family swimming, fishing, dirt bike riding and even erected some well-known teepees on the campgrounds, all while making lifelong friendships.
He has five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. There were many family trips to Mill Creek Park and Disney World, and those memories will always be cherished.