Arokiaswamy Alexander

Arokiaswamy “Alex” Alexander, age 90, of West Chicago IL, reunited with his true love on Sunday, February 2, 2025, with his loving family by his side.

He was born June 11, 1934, in Royapuram, Chennai, India, the son of Dr. A. Swamy Pillai and Rathnakannu Ammal. 

Growing up during the British rule of India, influenced his family culture, interests/hobbies, and command of the english language. He was a unique anomaly of intelligence and athleticism.  He excelled in math, science, and english while balancing boxing, track, tennis, field hockey, and table tennis.  This resulted in academic awards, medals, trophies, and settingschool records in track and field.

His charm and handsome presence coupled with his intellect gave him a dynamic edge. His fiery spirit propelled him to excel in everything he tried, including ballroom dancing.  He highly valued education with aspiration of medicine or engineering. He was part of the first engineering class at Alagappa Chettiar Engineering University, finishing his Mechanical Engineering degree at University of Madras.

Alex’s life was enriched in January 1961, when he married his soulmate, Jamuna. He started his career as an Operations Engineer with Basin Bridge Power Station. Few years later, he joined Bharat Heavy Electrical Ltd (BHEL). He was selected to be part of an elite team to work in Czechoslovakia for three years to acquire new skills and knowledge to implement in BHEL. After successful implementation, he was recruited by a U.S. based engineering firm, leading to his relocation to the United States as a Nuclear Engineer.  He led many impactful roles in various nuclear power plants over the next 25 years, prior to retiring in West Des Moines, Iowa before moving to West Chicago, IL in 2015.

Alex had a big personality and made friends wherever he went. Whether he walked into his bank, church, or Sams Club, he was greeted by name. In return, he knew their names and remembered details of past conversations.  He showed love and appreciation for all by generously handing out chocolates.  After retirement, he repurposed his briefcase to store chocolate bars purchased from his favorite Aldi.

Alex had a deep knowledge and passion for the Arts. He enjoyed music, classic films, gardening, football (soccer), tennis, boxing, and basketball. He was meticulous and systematic in everything he did.  He had a special appreciation for cars and electronics. He could identify make and model of vehicles from an engineering lens.  He had a creative mind and a resilient spirit; when he set his mind to something, he did it! Alex was a brilliant writer, poet, and self-taught calligrapher. This was evident in his greeting cards; he was intentional and would spend hours to ensure the sentiments were meaningful. When anyone had a problem or something that needed to be fixed, they would seek him out, knowing he would rise to the challenge.  His generous heart always offered everything he had for others and always saw the good in people. He had the ability to turn any fruit into a work of art.  He appreciated the beauty in everyday simple tasks.

Alex’s family was his driving force.  He was a devoted husband, beloved father, and a cherished grandfather.  He was at the center of all family events with his jovial smile and playful spirit, while capturing the moments with his precious Canon and Sony cameras.  Alex and Jamuna's grandparents camp was the highlight of summer vacation.  Alex willingly sacrificed himself for the sake of his family: for their education, safety, success, and well-being. With his faith and his rock, Jamuna, by his side, he soared through all the highs and lows. As they reunite once again, his legacy lives within the family and within the lives he has touched.

He is survived by his daughters Hemalatha Nirmalraj (Dr. Nirmal Raj) of Omaha, Nebraska, Anita (Dennis) Breen of West Chicago, Illinois, Helene (the late Christopher) Turnis of Waukee, Iowa; grandchildren Madan (Dr. Ankita Sarawagi), Maya, Manav Nirmalraj, and Naveen Breen; sister-in-law Hilda Selvaraj; and many dear nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Jamuna; their son, Rajasekar; parents, Dr. A. Swamy Pillai and Rathnakannu Ammal; parents-in-law, Soundararaj Pillai and Jegaraj Ammal; siblings, Dr. Antoine Selvaraj, Philomena (Dr. A. Xavier), and Shantha (Dr. B. T. Antony) Raja; son-in-law, Christopher Turnis.

Visitation for Alex will be held Thursday, February 20, 2025, from 5:00pm to 8:00pm at Malone Funeral Home, 324 E. State Street (Route 38), Geneva, IL.

One hour visitation will be held Friday, February 21, 2025, at 10:00am until the time of the Celebration of Funeral Mass at 11:00am at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 2900 E. Main Street, St. Charles, IL with Rev. Fr. Paul White, Celebrant.

Burial will follow at Glen Oaks Cemetery in West Chicago, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the family.  The family will donate all memorial contributions to Velankanni Matha Church in Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu, India.

For more information, contact 630-232-8233 or malonefh.com.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.