Benjamin Elton Alexander

Benjamin E. Alexander, a native of Akron and longtime resident of Peninsula, Ohio passed away while traveling in Sonoma on Monday.  He was 94.

Ben was born in Akron, Ohio to parents F.G. and Pauline Alexander. He studied Spanish and anthropology at Western Reserve College in Cleveland, Ohio and then at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque.

A veteran of the United States Army, Ben served in the Korean War. He made a career with his family business, the Kraus – Alexander Construction Company. In 1960, Ben married Valeria, a librarian from England. Together, they helped to design and build a home on their land in Peninsula, their favorite place in the world.

Ben loved gardening, raising dairy goats, and the company of his many dogs and cats. He and Valeria traveled extensively, often with their daughters. Ben was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Akron.

Ben is preceded in death by wife, Valeria, and siblings Antoinette Loving, Frances Watson, and Theodore Alexander. He is survived by his beloved daughters, Catherine (Richard Opre) Alexander of Cleveland and Glen Ellen, and Anne (Michael Hurray) Alexander of Akron, Ohio.  A celebration of life is being planned for early summer at his family home. 

The family would especially like to thank Ben's friend, David Palomo; Ben's helpers Vanessa, Aine, and Todd; Tim, his dog Molly’s trainer; and Jim and Raphael and the staff of Angel Falls Coffee Company.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to One of a Kind Pet Rescue of Akron.

Ben wanted to travel everywhere, meet everyone, learn everything he could, and then tell you all about it in Spanish over a cup of coffee at Angel Falls in the Highland Square neighborhood in Akron. His spirit and sense of adventure will forever remain in the hearts of his family and his many life-long friends.

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