Vernon DPW supervisor remembered fondly

HARDYSTON — An assistant supervisor for the Vernon Township Dept. of Public Works was killed in a motorcycle crash on Thursday night in Hardyston Township.
Police said Alexander, 48, was traveling south on Route 94 on a 2006 Big Dog Motorcycle when a collision occurred with a 2007 Lexus opoerated by Efrain Gines, 25, of Hardyston.
The Lexus also had two other passengers.
Police said Alexander was ejected off the motorcycle was treated at the scene by St. Clar'es First Aid Squad and Paramdedics and pronounced dead at Morristown Medical Center.
Gines and two other passengers refused medical treatment at the scene of the crash, which is under investigation by Hardyston Township police and the Sussex County Prosecutor's Office.
Alexander recently remodeled and built the Vernon Deli and owned a landscaping company that he worked wish his son, Tony.
“Tony worked very hard for the Vernon Department of a Public Works," said his cousin, Ruthie Clark. "He had been there since 2001 and worked his way up to assistant supervisor. He made sure at any task he was assigned he completed them and gave 110 percent. He loved his family and his children with all of his heart and soul. He would help anyone that needed it. He was a single father after his wife was also killed in an auto accident when his children were very young. He worked three jobs at times to make sure his children were always taken care of. He loved bowling, working on cars, and helping his son with derby races. His smile would light up a room. I could go on and on. He will be missed forever.”
He also was a former member of the Hamburg Fire Dept., involved with the Friday Night Mix Bowling League in Warwick, N.Y. and was part of Team "Wild Thing" Demo Derby and was chief of the pit crew. He was in his first derby this summer at the Sussex County Fairgounds.
“Tony was the guy who would take the shirt off his back to help another," said Karl Bernard, former caption of the Hamburg EMS "I haven’t seen him in a long time but when he was with the fire department he always enjoyed the camaraderie and helping others in times of need and tragedy he will be missed by many many people, He gave of himself so others may live that’s the type of guy he was. Such a tragedy.”
Alexander is survived by his son, Tony Jr., of Sussex; his daughter, Christina Alexander and her boyfriend, Cody, of Vernon; his parents, Sue Ann and Chuck Fehskens, of Hamburg; his brothers, Joseph Alexander, of California, and James Alexander, of Pittsburgh; his sister, Brenda Flick, of Bradenton, Fla.; his girlfriend, Brenda Kaloyerakis, of Vernon; his loyal companion, Chevy; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
“His daughter and I would chat frequently during down time in school, and I became friends with Tony as a result," said Connie Dalton-Seville. "After some time, Tony wanted to thank me for being so kind to his daughter. I didn't need a thank you — I told him that she is a sweet girl who had a lot of potential.”
Alexander wouldn't take no for an answer and bought her a gift. But it was his words that stuck with Dalton-Seville.
“He told me 'You have walls so high, and you don't let anyone in. People care about you, and want to tell you and show you how much they appreciate you. You don't let them, and that's not fair. It is hurtful. You help everyone but you don't let anyone help you,'" she said. "He was right, my heart was so closed. Tony gave me priceless gifts: the lessons of generosity, kindness and acceptance. My heart goes out to his children and family at this time. I cannot imagine the pain they are in, and I send them all my love.”
Memorial services will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 11, at the Pinkel Funeral Home, 31 Bank St. (Route 23), Sussex. Friends may pay their respects to the family on Friday from 3 to 6 p.m., at the funeral home prior to the service. Private cremation services have been held at the convenience of the family.
"Tony will be deeply missed by his family, friends and our entire Vernon Community," Vernon Township Mayor Harry Shortway said. "Tony took great pride in his work and was a highly skilled craftsman and machine operator. He was a perfectionist."
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations may be made in Tony's memory to help defray the funeral costs. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.pinkelfuneralhome.com.
Alexander's son, Tony Alexander Jr. posted on Facebook, simply, “Guna miss my best friend love you Dad.”