Friday, September 20, 2024 | St. Lawrence County, NY
BRASHER FALLS - Loving husband, dedicated father and loyal friend Alex Sienkiewycz, 91, died peacefully in the presence of family on September 18, 2024, after a brief hospitalization with respiratory and heart issues.
Born on December 13, 1932, in Brasher Falls to August and Louise (Bednarski) Sienkiewycz, he is survived by his wife of 70 years, Anne Sienkiewycz of Massena; daughters Terry Waldruff and husband Dale of West Potsdam, New York; Starla Gerlach and husband Steve of Fairport, New York; and sons Marty Sienkiewycz and wife Tina Specht of Hinesburg, Vermont; and Tim Sienkiewycz and wife Priscilla McQuade of Starksboro, Vermont. Alex’s long list of grandchildren and great-grandchildren and their spouses include Keri (Waldruff) and Scott Spicer, and their children Gayle and Aiden; Nathan Waldruff; Tim and Jennifer Gerlach, and their children Alexander, Gabriel, and Olivia,; Sara (Gerlach) and Brian Chavanne and their children Cameron, Connor and Cody; Jake Sienkiewycz; Emma Sienkiewycz; Lee Sienkiewycz and Annie (Thomas) Sienkiewycz and their son expected to arrive in this world in November; and Ivy Sienkiewycz and Caleb Hefner. He is predeceased by both of his parents, brothers John, Bill, Bob and Andy and sisters Bernice, Lilian, Josephine, Sofie, Mary, and Helen and two children, Todd and Kari.
Alex was raised on the family dairy farm in Brasher Falls, NY and spent his early years learning the values of hard work, hard play and close family. He attended school at Massena Central School where he left school early to help family following the early death of his mother. He eventually got his GED.
Alex enlisted in the United States Air Force and served from 1952 to 1956. As a young adult, he attended the wedding of his sister Sofie where he met his bride to be, love of his life, soul mate, Anne Cockayne. After a brief courtship they were married on May 8, 1954.
Still in the military the newlyweds moved to Presque Isle Maine, then Alex was sent to Keflavik Iceland as part of the Korean War effort. While in Iceland, their first Daughter, Terry was born in Massena in 1955. After returning from Iceland and together again the next and last military station lead them to Port Hueneme, California where their first son, Marty was welcomed in 1956. Following military discharge, they moved their young family back to northern NY where they made their lifelong home in Brasher. Together they welcomed their second daughter Starla in 1957, second son Tim in 1959, and third son Todd in 1961 who were all born in Massena. A third daughter Kari was still born in 1963.
Working odd jobs as a school custodian, and a Singer sewing machine repair man Alex landed his lifetime job at the newly opened Reynolds Aluminum Plant in Massena where he retired after 36 years. His work life supported his family and allowed them many opportunities including traveling vacations and many happy summers at the Lake Ozonia family camp. He was proud of his accomplishments and exceptionally proud of his family.
Alex and Anne enjoyed travel and took the family on many adventures around the country. Travel took them to many places, but they were particularly fond of walks on the beach or the rocky shoreline of the Maine coast. Eventually they found other vacation opportunities on their own, with family, or with friends visiting places near, far and abroad. The whole family knows that Anne is the one with the travel bug, but Alex would happily participate although sometimes we think would rather have been closer to home.
It wasn’t until after retirement that Alex’s true creative talents came to light. A dedicated wood turner he delighted in making square blocks of wood into round things. Bowls, plates, ornaments, vases, reliquaries, and a whole host of other objects came out of the basement shop. Everyone always looking forward to the next Christmas. He had a deep appreciation of any mastery of
craft.
Alex had a huge heart of gold and had the uncanny ability to find good in any person he met. He could hold a conversation with anyone and genuinely enjoyed the interactions. He was a dedicated Wordle player and would rarely quit Spelling Bee until he hit Genius! Alex and Anne would work the New York Times crossword puzzle nearly every weekend to keep their minds sharp. Alex spent his final summer enjoying the days, meals and sunsets at Lake Ozonia with his family.
The family invites you to support Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley.
Arrangements are entrusted to Hammill Funeral Home in Winthrop, New York where visiting hours will be held at on Monday, September 23 from 5-7 PM with a funeral at Saint Patrick’s Church in Brasher Falls, New York at 11:00 on September 24, 2024. Alex’s burial will follow in the parish cemetery.
Memories and condolences can be shared with his family at www.hammillfh.com.
