Jeffery D. Alexander, of Sharpsville, PA, passed away Friday, January 3, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was 72.

Jeff was born on April 19, 1952, in Sharon, to W. Dean Alexander and Florence Parker Alexander. He graduated in 1970 from Hickory High School, Hermitage, and received a B.S. in Business Administration from Clarion State College in 1975.

He had a sharp mind and excelled in mathematics.  Jeff worked in management for several companies, but after many successful years in business, he decided to change careers.  In 1996, he received a B.S. in Nursing from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania.  Jeff loved being a nurse and worked as a traveling nurse in several states, including Pennsylvania, Maine, Colorado, and Ohio.  He was a compassionate and dedicated nurse not only to his patients, but also to his family members and beloved dogs.

Jeff was of the Methodist faith, and in 2008, was re-baptized at the First Assembly Church of God in Hermitage.

Jeff was a natural-born athlete. While at Hickory High School, he set the school record in shotput in 10th grade and was co-captain of the track team during his senior year.  His passion for running led him to compete in many races and marathons, including the Boston Marathon on three occasions, the Pikes Peak Marathon in 1977, the 4th Annual Marine Bank Presque Isle Marathon in 1977, and the Revco Cleveland Marathon in 1978.  He also ran many half marathons and shorter races during his racing career.

In addition to running, Jeff loved doing anything outdoors, especially canoeing, kayaking, rafting, and hunting.  He hiked various trails throughout the US, most notably the Appalachian Trail with his friends and running buddies, as well as part of the Iditarod trail with his sister and many other trails in Pennsylvania, Colorado, and Maine. When he wasn't running or hiking, he could be seen riding his bike on the backroads of Mercer County.

Jeff was always willing to help family members and neighbors with any project. He was a beloved son, brother, cousin, father, grandfather, friend, and running partner.

Jeff is survived by a daughter, Megan Alexander (Matthew Schwartz), Sharon; two sisters, Cynthia Alexander and Laurel Alexander (Lindell Bridges), all of Hermitage; a brother, Rod Alexander, Sharpsville; and three beloved grandchildren: Peyton, Lydeeah, and Killian.

In addition to his parents and grandparents, Jeff was preceded in death by his sister Jennifer Alexander.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Anova Hospice for the exceptional care and compassion they provided.

Jeff loved animals and children.  Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN  38105; or the ASPCA Gift Processing Center, P.O. Box 96929, Washington, DC 20090-6929.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday (1-8-25) in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday (1-9-25), in the funeral home, with Rev. Richard Nero, officiating.

Interment: Riverside Cemetery, Sharpsville.