- Date Of Birth: March 9, 1928
- Date Of Death: May 8, 2022
- State: Pennsylvania
CRISANTI
Alexander J. “Alex” Jr., age 94, of Newtown Square, PA 19073, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on May 8, 2022.
Alex (also known as Al) was born on March 9, 1928, in West Philadelphia, PA. He was the younger of two sons of the late Alessandro Crisanti and
Rose (nee Griniti) Crisanti.
After graduating from St. Thomas More High School in 1945, he attended St. Joseph’s University for a time before joining the family meat and butcher business located at the corner of 49th Street and Lancaster Avenue. Alex was drafted by the in 1950 and before being sent to Germany, he married the love of his life, Agnes McCullough. On his return home from his military service in 1953, Alex continued to work in the family business. He moved his growing family to Newtown Square in 1959, eventually moving the business from Philadelphia to Newtown Square in 1971.
The store in Newtown Square, Alex’s Quality Meats, was a second home to Alex. His passion and drive to provide his customers with the highest quality service was only second to the passion he had for taking care of his family. His pride, work ethic, and commitment to the business were unrivaled and his customers saw that and valued it, generating a loyal customer base.
Alex shared his success through his limitless generosity. If a family member, friend, or community member was ever in need of help, he never hesitated to share his resources with them. Having lived through the Great Depression, taking care of people was paramount to him, something his family, friends, and former employees can attest to. Such was his work ethic that he worked regular hours up until the age of 92.
When he wasn’t focused on work with his nose to the grind, his charm and wit were often in full force. His smile, jokes, and vivid storytelling ability, supported by a nearly photographic memory, captivated anyone fortunate enough to be on the receiving end. He had a larger than life personality and a presence that drew people to him. Customers wanted to be liked by him and family and friends wanted to make him proud.
The love and loyalty he had for his family was fierce and he took great pride in his children’s own successes and families that they built; an extension of his own proud legacy. He was a force of nature and those who knew him will never forget the indelible mark he left in his time here on Earth.
Predeceased by his wife Agnes B. (nee McCullough) his son John, his daughter Marie Staurowsky, and his brother Peter (Grace) Crisanti.
He is survived by his son Peter (Linda), his daughters Patricia (Richard) Iacovelli, Susan (John) Gallagher, and Regina (Adam) Lawrence, his 16 Grandchildren and 15 Great Grandchildren and his son-in-law Gary Staurowsky.
Contributions in Alex’s memory may be made to HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy, 4400 Baltimore Ave., Phila., PA 19104.
