Perec, Alexander

Alexander Perec (8/4/1947-3/19/2024) 

Alexander Perec, 76, of Rochester (Brighton), NY passed into eternal glory on March 19, 2024 at the Advent House. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alexander and Anna Pankiw Perec, late wife, Millet, and sister-in-law, Evelyn. He is survived by his wife, Christine; children, Patricia Mullinax (John), Pamela Lee (Michael) and Alexander (Shazi); stepchildren, Terry Michaud (Alan) and Sheryl Keegan (Tim); brothers, Mike and Walter (Irene); many grandchildren and step-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held at Trinity Reformed Church, 909 North Landing Rd, Rochester, NY on April 6, 2024 at 11 o’clock AM. A luncheon will immediately follow in the church’s fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers donations to Advent House, 1010 Moseley Rd., Fairport NY 14450, would be greatly appreciated or to a charity of your own choosing.

Alex’s smile and positive attitude throughout his life were captivating and an inspiration to anyone blessed to know him. This approach to life may be attributed to a grandfather’s prayer for him (as well as other descendants) years before his birth, and further strengthened by the biblical promise found in Romans 8:31-39 in which Alex found life sustaining comfort once he became a Christian (with gratitude for his brother Mike’s leading).

Alex was born in Ecksberg, West Germany to Ukrainian parents, Alexander Perec and Anna Pankiw, whom Alex remembered as exceptional people.  Both were taken as teenagers from their respective homes in the Ukraine to serve in German work camps during WWII.  His father’s failed attempt to escape work camp landed him in a concentration camp which he survived.  After the war the two continued living in Germany rather than returning to their homeland then under Russian control. They eventually met, fell in love, married, and welcomed Alex into the world.  Wishing to leave a war-torn Germany and to find a better place to raise a family as well as a means for making a living, the young family moved to France where brothers Michel (Mike) and Walter were born into the family. It was in France that Alex’s mother insisted he learn how to play the accordion beginning at age 9, a skill he developed and used to the enjoyment of many in diverse places throughout his life.

The family emigrated from France to the United States in 1962 after waiting 10 years for VISA approval. At age 15, Alex proudly became a naturalized citizen of the United States and entered the City of New York School system. The citation pictured above speaks for itself.

He went on to graduate from New York City’s Seward Park High School in June, 1965 having achieved many certificates of merit along the way, showing promise in both mathematics and physics. Alex graduated from Brown University in June 1970 with a BS in Physics. He then served in the US Navy from which he was honorably discharged.

Alex met, courted and married Milagros (Millet; 1947-2002) in New York City. Shortly thereafter they moved to White Plains, NY and started a family, welcoming daughters Patricia (Patty), and Pamela (Pam).  Alex encouraged his daughters to study music (much like his mother encouraged him?). He proudly oversaw them develop their music talents over the years, which culminated with both daughters graduating college with degrees in music and entering occupations using their respective degrees.

The family transitioned from White Plains, NY to Rochester, NY when Alex accepted an offer from the University of Rochester.  Soon after relocating and settling in a home in Brighton, the family grew again with the birth of son, Alexander (Alex). There is an ancient proverb, “like father like son.” Because Alex stressed math and science in his homeschooling program, his son discovered his own math and analytical ability, earned a degree in computer science and launched his business career.

The University of Rochester honored Alex’s 30 years of service on June 30, 2013.  He retired a few years later. For the majority of his time at the U of R, Alex served as a clinical technician at the Strong Memorial Hospital Cancer Center trouble shooting and repairing various cancer diagnostic and therapeutic delivery systems. One of Alex’s former work colleagues recently visited Alex in Advent House and shared that folks who have worked in Radiation Oncology should be exempt (from having cancer), and Alex appreciated that sentiment.

While preparing for a father-daughter dance at Pam’s wedding in 2004, Alex took an interest in ballroom dancing.  So, he signed up for beginner lessons at the Rochester Ballroom Club. It was at a Friday night dance at the club where dancers were encouraged to put into practice what they were learning in class that he met Christine whom he married in 2005. Together they enjoyed pastoral ministry, physical fitness, ballroom and line dancing, cruising and land tours, and card games.

Alex leaves a legacy of many cherished family and friends where he lived, worshipped, worked, danced and received compassionate care.