Robert James Alexander

ROBERT "Skeet" JAMES ALEXANDER , age 50, of Freeville, NY passed away on Wednesday, July 6, 2011 at the Hospicare Residence, Ithaca, NY. Skeet was born July 7, 1960 in Watertown, NY a son of the late Robert J. and Catherine Dougherty Alexander. He was a graduate of Tompkins Cortland Community College, Class of 1990, SUNY Empire State College, Class of 1992 and studiedat the US Military Academy in Germany, Class of 2004. He was a US ArmyVeteran and member of the National Guard, from 1998 to 2008, he had been trained in Mechanical Engineering, Human Resources, Business Economics and

Finance, Hand to Hand Combat and was an European Sword Master. He had also been employed at Cooper Tools from 2000-2003 and was a firefighter.

Our Skeet was a perfect gentleman in every sense of the word, kind, considerate, loving and polite. He was brave and went well above whatever was needed to get the necessary task accomplished. He possessed a noble humility, and courage, making him the hero of many. Some of his favorite activities were mountain climbing, including Zugspitze, the highest mountain in Germany.

He also enjoyed hiking, camping, and skiing, horseback riding,

and anything involving the outdoors. He loved to travel and experience other cultures, whether from his work or military, he spoke 2 languages and a touch of a third. He had an ongoing affiliation with music and all it brought to his life. He was very close to his family, the core of his life.

He took care of all of us in one way or another, being the strength and voice of reason, which held us tight. Included are his many friends he treasured for many years. And so sweet, he had a smirk and a nonstop sense of humor, something we will all treasure and miss, always. Skeet was predeceased by his father, Robert James Alexander, April 1972; his mother, Catherine Veronica Dougherty Alexander, November 2006; his sister, Catherine Veronica Alexander, 2005 and his nephew, William "Billy" Jack Tripp, April 2002. Survivors include his wife, Cynthia "Cindy" Malling Alexander; his sisters, Sharon "Sheri" Alexander Rempe and Roberta "Bobbi"

Jean Alexander; brother in law, Phillip Rempe; a niece, Beckey Jea n Tripp; great nephew, Dylen William Tripp; great nieces, Danyelle Jean Tripp and Cassandra Marie Tripp, daughter of William Jack Tripp; as well as "Hank" his faithful, canine companion. He is also survived by stepchildren, Brian (Michelle) Jones and their children, Rory and Eli; Adam Jones and Meredith (Josh) Harrison.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at the Perkins Funeral Home, 55 W. Main St., Dryden, NY with Rev. Larry Cleek officiating. Burial with Military Honors provided by the Dryden Veteran's Memorial Home Ritual Team assisted by the Fort Drum Casualty Detail will follow in Willow Glen Cemetery, Dryden. Friends are invited to call from 11am until 1 pm prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospicare, 172 E. King Rd., SPCA of Tompkins Co., 1640 Hanshaw Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850, W.B. Strong Fire Co., Freeville,

NY 13068, Disabled American Veterans.org or American Cancer Society.org