Cedarville/Ilion: Earl R. Alexander, 75, passed away in Ticonderoga, NY, on Wednesday, May 8, 2013, after suffering a long illness. At the time of his passing, he was surrounded by his devoted daughter, Debra, and the loving staff of Inter Lakes-Health Center Patriot Unit. Earl was born in Rutland, VT, the son of Earl M. and Amelia (Ciccarelli) Alexander. He was born at home on June 12, 1937 and was one of several children. His brothers, Cleo, Arthur, Bernard, and Robert are all still in the Rutland area. His sister, Marie Graham is also in Rutland. He also has a sister, Dorothy Luleck, of Swanton, VT. He joined the US Army at a young age, was sent overseas, and served our country well. He was honorably discharged in July of 1962. Earl married Dorothy Fontaine in November 1959. They had five children, Earl, Jr., Debbie, Tina, Tammie, and Daniel. Although they later divorced, they remained friends for the rest of his life. He met and married Marie Taylor in October 1971. His in-laws were a wonderful blessing in his life. Earl worked as a foundry worker and a truck driver in Rutland, VT. He then worked at Remington Gun Co. until his retirement. He enjoyed many cookouts, weddings, and gambling at the Turning Stone Casino, and had many stories to tell! He became an amazing volunteer and cooked many charity dinners. He was often seen cooking turkeys in the kitchen for Catholic Charities. He often gave Marie a hand delivering Meals on Wheels. His dear wife Marie passed away on July 16, 2006. Earl's heart was broken. His favorite pastime, however, was working at the Joseph Berberich Hose Company in Cedarville. He was a part of the Fire/Police Division. He did this for the better part of 30 years, and considered the men there his family. He also recognized the sacrifice of all the women who supported the guys. At the annual banquets, he made sure they all had flowers as a small token of their hard work, as well! He would say, "Putting up with smelly men who left at all times of the day and night, coming home with the worst of the worst dirty clothes." His volunteerism was rewarded when he won Senior Citizen of the Year for Herkimer County in 2005. He also was awarded the President's Volunteer Service Award in 2006. Earl is survived by many family members, in-laws, and dear friends, especially Mark Nelson who has been and continues to be a tremendous support to Debra. He will be deeply missed. Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects on Monday, May 13, 2013 from 3 until 5 P.M. at Enea Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Ilion (town of Frankfort), 315-894-8000. His funeral will follow at 5 P.M., conducted by Pastor Rick Waite, at the funeral home. We will then process to the gazebo at the Herkimer Diamond Mines, Middleville, NY where Full Military Honors will be accorded. A service will be held at the Cedarville Fire Department, 960 State RTE 51, Ilion, NY on Saturday, May 18, 2013 at 3 P.M. He will then be carried to Cedarville Cemetery by his firehouse family, where he will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife, Marie. Earl's family has suggested that those wishing may make a donation in his memory to his much-loved Cedarville Fire Department, 960 State Route 51, Ilion, NY 13357. Kevin E. Enea, Funeral Director, Enea Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Ilion (town of Frankfort) is serving the family. To add to Earl's online memorials, please visit our website at www.eneafamily.com.