Alexander was a special young man—kind, sweet and endlessly giving.
He had a gentle presence and a thoughtful way of engaging with the world. Alex loved spending time with friends, watching anime, reading manga, listening to and playing music and most importantly chess. The hugs he generously gave were the kind that lingered and felt healing. As a big brother to Henry and Sammy, Alex was patient and loving, always eager to share his interests, whether it was gaming, music or teaching them how to play chess.
At Champaign Central High School, Alex poured himself fully into everything he did. He was a dedicated member of the marching band, carrying a 30-pound sousaphone. He also played tuba in concert band and joined the Jazz Club his sophomore year to learn trombone. But one of the places where Alex truly shined was on the chess team.
Chess was more than a club for Alex it was a community.
As a member of the Champaign Central High School chess club, Alex competed in the IHSA State Championships in both 2024 and 2025, with his team earning regional championships in both years. While the competitions made him nervous, he was proud to be part of the team and surprised himself with how well he performed, especially as a freshman. What mattered most to Alex, though, wasn’t winning. It was belonging and bringing others along with him.
Alex was welcoming and passionate, the kind of teammate who made everyone feel like they had a place at the board. When new students joined chess club, he would sit down and play with them, eager to share the game he loved. He didn’t care who his opponent was or how experienced they were. If someone struggled, Alex would talk with them, encourage them and commiserate when a game didn’t go well. He wanted others to enjoy chess the way he did.
One of Alex’s friends later shared that without Alex, he never would have joined chess club. Through Alex’s encouragement, he learned the game, gained confidence, made friends, and found a community. That was Alex’s quiet superpower: helping others discover their own potential simply by believing in them first.
Giving came naturally to Alex, in life and beyond and provided comfort to his family when he passed away at age 16.
When his family was approached about organ and tissue donation, it felt right. Alex had always wanted to help others in any way he could. His family found comfort in knowing that parts of him would continue to make a difference and help others. Knowing that a part of Alex continues to help others brings meaning in the midst of loss.
As Alex’s family continues to grieve, they honor him in quiet, meaningful ways. They talk about him. They remember him. They have created spaces in their home that hold his memory and keep him close.
They want others to know that organ and tissue donation is handled with compassion and care. And that registering as a donor has the power to save lives.
If someone is hesitant, Alex’s family would simply say this: registering can help others. And if there is time, they would tell them about Alex, a young man whose love for chess was matched only by his love for people.
