Michael Alexander

YOUNGSTOWN - Michael Alexander, 65, was born July 10, 1950, to Dorothy Saker Alexander and Nicholas Faris Alexander in Youngstown. He was the middle son and was preceded in death by his two siblings, Nicholas and Phillip; and his parents.

He is survived by his beautiful and loving wife of 33 years, Diane (Poraczky); his daughter, Amy (Monica); and his son Saker (Allison). He also leaves behind cousins that are more like brothers, and close friends that have become family over many, many years.

Although he loved to travel, "Mike" lived his life in this Mahoning Valley, and was a true "Youngstowner." He had the most fun when he was hanging out with his buddies, drinking beer and wine, eating good food, listening to great music, and talking (loudly) about politics, especially when all these came together on a warm summer night, whether downtown or at a cottage on Lake Erie.

Mike worked in the open hearth at US Steel until its closure. He then went on to work for several local trade unions as an organizer and staff person. He was active in local politics for representatives who epitomized the values in which he believed. He worked in this field as much as he could without becoming, as he put it, part of the "great unwashed." If he worked a campaign, he liked to think it was because of his personal ethics and not herd mentality. He retired from the Mahoning County Engineers in 2012.

Not all who knew Mike have always agreed with his views, but hopefully have respected his passion and conviction in fighting for what he thought was right. Mike helped countless area workers gain better wages, better working conditions, and a better quality of life. He represented the unions on the Youngstown Labour Council for almost 20 years, including AFSCME, 1199 and the Teamsters. He was a steadfast and passionate activist in the struggle for peace, justice, and the working class, and was a proud, life-long member of the Communist Party USA.

Family and friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Austintown Chapel.

The family has asked that in lieu of prayers or flowers, donations be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, www.pancan.org, and Mike would request that we all get off our butts and fight for peace and justice.

Please visit www.higgins-reardon.com to view this tribute and send condolences.