Alexander "Alex" Niklas of Sharon passed away unexpectedly Thursday, August 11, 2016.  He was 23.

Alex was born April 10, 1993, in Bradford, PA, a son of Bryan Phillips and Rebecca Niklas.

He attended Kane (PA) High School and attended Laurel Technical Institute, in Sharon where he earned his welding certification.

He was employed by Industrial Waste Control (IWC) in Youngstown, OH, as an industrial cleaner and also worked at the Clark House as a dishwasher.

A musician, Alex wrote music, played the guitar and drums and was fortunate to have the opportunity to play the drums with a recording artist.

He enjoyed fishing, spending time with his family and cousins and was a fan of the Dallas Cowboys and the Pittsburgh Pirates and Penguins.

Surviving are: his mother, Rebecca Niklas, Sharon; his father, Bryan Phillips and his wife Julia, Port Allegany, PA; a brother, Leo Niklas, Sharon; grandfathers, Leo Niklas, James City, PA, Harold Phillips and Gary Evans, both of Port Allegany, PA; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Alex was preceded in death by his grandmothers, Joe Ann Niklas and Betty Phillips.

Memorial contributions be made to the family.

Calling hour will be from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Wednesday, August 17, 2016 , in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.

Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday in the funeral home with the Rev. Aaron Lego, pastor of Grace Chapel Community Church, officiating.