Thomas W. Alexander

It is with deep sorrow that we announce that Thomas Wilson Alexander Sr., 86, of Akron, OH, responded to his final alarm on Sunday, March 23, 2025 at 3:24 in the afternoon. He was surrounded by his loving family as he passed from his long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s.

Thomas was born on May 10, 1938 in Barberton, OH to Willis and Trixie Alexander. From a young age, he displayed a strong sense of duty and service, which led to his eight (8) years of service to his country in the United States Marine Corps Reserves. After his honorable discharge from military service, he proceeded to dedicate his life to protecting and serving the Akron community, rising to the esteemed position of Chief of the Akron Fire Department. His leadership, bravery, and commitment left a lasting impact on those he worked with and the city he served.

In his 33 years with the Fire Department, Thomas became a hero to many, always running toward the emergency incidents, as the civilians were running away. He took the responsibility of protecting the City of Akron and his personnel most seriously and never hesitated to jump on a nozzle or to be the first to respond and enter a major blaze or incident. He was respected by the people he led and held safety for all, paramount, never hesitating to seek and provide the latest equipment and training to his personnel in an effort to assure all went home injury free to their families after every shift.

He led by example and insisted all department personnel be well trained, well groomed, and physically fit for duty and all equipment was well maintained, cleaned and shined, ready for action at a moment’s notice. His pride and dedication to the department and insistence that they be recognized as the best of the best in representing the Akron Community led to his advancement up the ranks. As Chief, his desire to keep the department on the cutting edge was very important.

His positive impact on many and his enthusiasm for public service contributed greatly towards influencing three of his five sons to follow in his footsteps, two as firefighters and one as a police officer. The other two sons pursued careers in the engineering and medical professions

Beyond his professional achievements and service to his country and community, Thomas was a devoted family man. He was married to the love of his life, Jacqueline (Jackie) Balue for 65 years, and together they raised five amazing sons. He cherished time spent with his family, whether it was at family gatherings, cheering on his grandchildren at various sporting events, or sharing stories from his firefighting days. He was a man of integrity, kindness, and unwavering dedication to those he loved.

His entrepreneurial spirit and innovation led to the ownership of multiple businesses to include a cake decorating and candy making supply store (aka: Jackie’s Sugar Bowl), a video rental store….before Family Video and Blockbuster was a thing…..and a professional videography service for weddings, graduations and any other requested milestone events needing recorded. He never shied away from hard work often joining other firefighters to build additions, garages, lay shingles, pour concrete, lay block or even wire a house.

Though Thomas often worked tirelessly to provide for his family, he always carved out time to spend with his wife and sons. Whether it was marching his boys up the stairs to bed like a Marine Drill Sergeant, coaching them in sports, tossing a ball in the front yard, building something, or taking them on cross country camping excursions to visit state parks, he made sure they all knew he loved each of them dearly. He was truly a proud husband, father, friend, and mentor to all!

He loved maintaining and working on his vehicles even before one could simply YouTube a video on how to perform such a repair. His ability and aptitude to tear things apart and return them to near new was amazing. He taught and shared this hands-on approach and mentality with all his boys as they too are all skilled at home maintenance, repair, and build! His work ethic and desire to be successful for his family was unmatched. He would often say to his sons that it does not matter which career path you choose just choose to be the best at it, even if its digging ditches, be the best ditch digger there is!

In his retirement, Thomas loved spending his time on the open road traveling with his wonderful and patient wife via RV. They traveled across the country from Florida to Alaska. The Alexander’s are likely one of very few families that can claim that they have visited all 50 states! They loved camping or more appropriately, glamping, with friends and family and always welcomed weekend visitors to their campgrounds in the form of kids and grandkids. One can only imagine that his organizational prowess and tinkering kept their RV in tip top shape and sparkling like new at all times.

Thomas is survived by his beloved wife, Jacqueline Alexander; his children, Thomas Jr. (Patty), John (Lora), Edward (Cindi), James (Mariana), and Michael (Mary), fifteen grandchildren; and 3 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Willis and Trixie, sisters Beatrice E.(Betty) Morgan, Beatrice M (Bea) Alexander, brothers Alfred Morgan and Willis (Bill) Alexander Jr., and grand-daughter Reese Alexander.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 3rd at Newcomer Funeral Home (131 N. Canton Rd., Akron 44305) from 4:00pm - 6:00pm concluding with “Last Alarm” at 6:00pm ceremonies provided exclusively by the Akron Fire Department. Funeral Mass will be held at Visitation of Mary Catholic Church (formerly Annunciation) on, Friday, April 4th, at 10:00am at 55 Broad St., Akron, OH 44305.

Inurnment will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery.

Thomas will be remembered not only for his service and dedication but also for the love and wisdom he shared with all who knew him. His legacy of strength, kindness, and devotion will forever live on in the hearts of his family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the link provided: The Bob Denton Safety Forces Support Center: www.safetyforcescenter.org; address: 501 W Market Street, Suite 313, Akron, 44303

To share a memory of Thomas or leave a special message for his family, visit the guest book below.