Alexander, Michael Van Cleave
Michael Alexander, 47, a cherished father, son, husband, brother, uncle, co-worker and friend, passed away in New York City on Friday, September 13. Known for his warm smile, good nature, quick wit and brilliant mind, Mike was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed.
Born to Ann and Michael Alexander, he grew up in Christiansburg, VA with his younger brother Peter. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Christiansburg. Mike’s initiative and entrepreneurial spirit were evident from an early age, starting a neighborhood lawn mowing business in middle school and working various jobs during his time in high school. He had many friends at Christiansburg High School where he was the starting quarterback and point guard, leading the basketball team to the state championship during his senior season.
After graduating from high school, Mike went on to study finance and government at the University of Virginia (UVA), graduating in 1999 with a B.S. from the McIntire School of Commerce. He excelled academically and socially at UVA, where he also served as President of the Virginia Chapter of Delta Upsilon Fraternity, finding new lifelong interests and making many strong and lasting friendships. He remembered his time at UVA as some of the happiest days of his life.
Mike began his career at Blackstone Group as an Associate, kickstarting his 25 years in finance and investments. He was fortunate to spend the bulk of his professional life at Marathon Asset Management as a Managing Director and most recently Co-Head of US Opportunistic Credit. “Mike was more than just a professional,” according to Bruce Richards and Louis Hanover, Founders and Managing Partners of Marathon, “he was a beacon of strength, conducting his life and business with the highest level of integrity, a person who shared his wisdom with his colleagues as he always made a positive impact, with all the attributes of a brilliant investor.”
Married to Sarah Andress in 2006, they were blessed with two children – James and Mary Alexander. A devoted father, he loved spending time with his children, fully embracing and nurturing each of their interests, which is how he ended up attending both a Taylor Swift concert and a UFC fight in the same month. Despite a long-held fear of dogs, he even went so far as to welcome a dog into their family recently because he knew it would bring James and Mary so much joy, and then committed himself to learning to love their new pet. Special family memories were made skiing, hiking and traveling together.
After a quarter century living in New York, Mike considered the city to be his home and the community in the family’s apartment building to be not just his neighbors but his friends. A bench will be dedicated in their neighborhood in Mike’s memory. In addition to being an avid reader, he was also an accomplished distance runner who completed five of the six World Marathon Majors, a runner who inspired many others to run.
Mike is survived by his wife Sarah Alexander; his children James and Mary Alexander; his mother Ann Alexander; his brother Peter (Krista) Alexander; and other family members including his many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father Michael Alexander Sr.
Funeral was held at Christ & Saint Stephens Episcopal Church, 120 W. 69th St. in New York, on Monday, September 23.
A brief service and committal of ashes will be held at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Christiansburg on October 19 at 3:00 p.m.
