Alexander Massie

Poland- ". . .the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award me on that day" (2 Timothy 4:6, 8). It is indeed a crown that awaits Alexander Massie who left this world on September 30, 2018, to meet back up with his beloved bride Viola at the gates of heaven. Alex leaves behind four children, John (Sheila) Massie, Joseph (Linda) Massie, Janet (Steve) Rovnak and Diane (Steve) Herdman who aspire to be even half the virtuous man that their father was known to be.

Known as "Mr. Fix It", Alex repaired anything from transistor radios to car motors for anyone in need without ever considering the cost. He opened his home to hundreds of people over the years and his best quality was that he never had anything bad to say about anyone. Gossip was simply not a part of his character!

Alex worked as a chemist at Youngstown Sheet & Tube until he was forced into early retirement in 1977 when the steel industry permanently closed down. Alex never missed a day’s work and made some wonderful friends along the way. Besides being a dedicated employee, Alex enjoyed gardening, canning, playing poker, watching western movies, and sipping a nightly glass of Scotch.

In addition to his four children, Alex leaves behind ten grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren. Whether a baseball game, hospital visit or high school graduation, Papa was always there. Alex will be missed by his family as they attempt to live out his legacy of caring more for others than themselves. Alex recently stated that the best time of his life was during The Great Depression when people had to rely on each other to survive.

Alex was a member of Sacred Heart Church (now St. Angela Merici) which he attended regularly. He favored four o’clock mass which he attended until he was no longer able. And while he heard the gospel once a week, he lived the gospel 24 hours a day as his words and deeds represented the Holy Spirit.

Besides his wife of 70 years, other lost loved ones include, an infant Michael, his parents, Alexander and Anna Massie, his in-laws Anna and Joseph Calabria, his brothers, Luke, Daniel, John, Joe and Steve, a sister, Florence, along with numerous brothers and sisters in law, as well as many great friends. There is no doubt he will enjoy the party in heaven upon his arrival!

A prayer service will be held on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, 270 N. Main St., Poland, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Angela Merici Catholic Church at noon with Fr. Kevin Peters officiating. All guests are invited for fellowship and a luncheon at the church following the Mass.

Family and friends will be received on Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the prayer service at 11 a.m. at the funeral home.

Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.