Joseph "Skip" McKenley Alexander

On December 12, 2023, Joseph "Skip" McKinley Alexander passed peacefully with his family lovingly by his side at the Pittsburgh VA Medical Center, where he was celebrated with a Veterans Honor Walk.

 Christmas Eve, December 24, 1954, while Essie Wheless labored in her Pittsburgh, PA home, doctor asked a 4-year-old Areatha Wheless what she wanted and she replied "a sister." The doctor then gently replied, "I'll see what i can do." The doctor later returned with a different announcement, and to Areatha's joyful surprise, she had a baby brother, Joseph McKinley Alexander that day.

Joseph was blessed with athleticism. He was a proud Westinghouse High School Bulldog, All-Star basketball forward and track high jumper. He graduated in 1973 and enlisted in the United Sates Army, honorably serving in Germany and in several American Army bases. While the military provided him with practical experience in the electrical engineering field, he furthered his studies at Dean Tech in Pittsburgh. He was true "Mr. Fix-it" and graciously volunteered his know-how. From rooftops to bathrooms, Joseph's work still stands to this day.

He loved life and lived life to the fullest. He loved games of chance, and you could find him at his favorite slot machine at the Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh. You could also find him in the kitchen serving up something delicious and always smothered in gravy. Most of all, you could always find him with family listening and dancing to an oldie but goodie or cracking up the room with one of his witty, sharp jokes. Joseph, affectionately known as "Skip" is remembered by his friends as intelligent, strong, courageous, humorous, and loving. 

Joseph was proceeded in death by his mother, Essie Wheless. He leaves to cherish his memory with his sister, Areatha (Van) Hoyle, sons, Joseph McKinley Alexander and Kory Parker, daughters Alexis Parker and Carmen Parker. He was blessed and survived by a host of family members, especially in Pennsylvania, Maryland and North Carolina, grandchildren, and long-time friends.

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