Ph. D Lewis Mcelwain Alexander

Lewis M. Alexander, Ph. D, 91, of Peace Dale, died May 9. He was the beloved husband of Jacqueline (Peterson) Alexander, for 63 years. Born in Summit, New Jersey, he was a son of the late Harry L., MD and Laura (Stryker) Alexander. Dr. Alexander received his BA degree from Middlebury College in Vermont and then received his Ph. D from Clark University in 1941. After his schooling, he enlisted in the US Army during WW II. He served with the Air Forces for four years, attaining the rank of Master Sergeant. Dr. Alexander started his teaching career at the State University of New York, Binghamton and then came to the University of Rhode Island. He was a Professor of Geography and Marine Affairs. During his tenure at URI he was a geologist for the US State Department during the Ronald Reagan Presidency. In his spare time, he enjoyed gardening and is credited with publishing many books and articles related to marine affairs. Besides his wife, he is survived by two children, Louise Anne Chebert of Lake Stevens, WA and Lance Stryker Alexander of Wakefield; four grandchildren, Daine, Drew, Emily and Sarah; a sister, Beverly G. Alexander of Cape Cod; and a half-sister, Janet Wood of Charlestown. A memorial service will be held Saturday at 11 AM at the Avery-Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia Street, Wakefield. Burial with military honors will follow in the Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery, Exeter. Visiting hours are respectfully omitted. Memorial donations may be made to the RIASPCA, 186 Amaral Street, Riverside, RI 02915.