Alexander "Alex" Emerick who was born to John and Mary (nee Suchs) Emerick in Pennsylvania on February 29, 1920, a day that only occurs once every four years, passed away on Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at Amherst Manor Nursing Home at the age of 102.He moved to Lorain at a young age and was a graduate of Lorain High School where he served as the class president of his senior class and was active in its sports program. Prior to the attack on Pearl Harbor, Alex and several high school buddies tried unsuccessfully to join the United States Army, United States Navy, and the United States Marines. At that time, they were rejected because of health restrictions. When the draft became in operation in August of 1941, he and his friends were all drafted and served their country.While enlisted Alex served in the First Armored Division where he performed reconnaissance operations. He fought in the battle of Kasserine Pass in North Africa in February 1943 and went on to take part in the invasion of Italy when the United States and Allied forces landed there in September 1943. Wounded in Anzio, Italy, after Allied forces landed there in January 1944, he was shipped first to England then back to the United States.After his honorable discharge from the United States Army, he attended Bowling Green State University on the GI Bill, where he earned a business degree. While there, he was a founding member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity chapter and served as president.Alex made his career working in data processing for US Steel retiring at the age of 65. He and his wife, Olga, enjoyed traveling, visiting flea markets, and collecting antiques, and was a proud family man supporting all their endeavors.He is survived by his children, Darrell (Jana) Emerick, of Atlanta, Denise (Tim) Jenkins, of Lorain, David (Marcia) Emerick, of Oceanside, CA, and Donald (Terrie) Emerick, of Oceanside, CA; grandchildren, Evan, Alex, and Kelsie (Bryan) Hunt; and great-grandchildren, Hogan and Hensley.Alex was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Olga (nee Skapin), in 2012 at the age of 90; parents, John and Mary Emerick; brother, Joe Emerick; and his sister, Betty Pashkewich.The family will receive friends on Monday, October 10, 2022 from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 200 St. Joseph Drive, Amherst, OH 44001. Mass of Christian Burial will follow the visitation at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Father Timothy O'Connor, Pastor, will officiate. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Lorain.Contributions may be made in memory of Alex to St. Joseph Catholic Church, Amherst.Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Dovin and Reber Jones Funeral & Cremation Center. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.dovinreberjones.com

Published by The Morning Journal from Oct. 7 to Oct. 9, 2022.