Alec was born November 10, 1963. He is survived by his wife Cynthia, his father, John Gritsonis, his son Theodore (Elyse), daughter Teresa and 4 grandchildren, Ava, Mia, Hailey and Gabriel, as well as his siblings Thomas, Cathy (Tom) Struska and James (Denise), which he was the youngest of, and several nieces.  He is preceded in death by his mother, Patricia Gritsonis.

Alec grew up in Chicago and suburban area. As an adult he moved to Wisconsin and New York. Alec was greatly loved.

Alec was a positive person, not shy of working hard and went to school to learn about the trades, such as painting, tile work and general construction. He enjoyed family and although due to unfortunate events he was separated from his children much of the time.

He suffered from several illnesses but maintained a creative and whimsical outlook on life. He was quick with humor and light hearted in attitude. He loved his children and was trying to strengthen his relationship with them in recent years. He had moved from New York to Wisconsin as both of his children and families live there.

He was a fan of old movies and could rewatch them many times. He loved to talk about them with details that were not always caught by the average observer.

Alec made a profession of faith several years ago, although health issues dominated his day to day life. He may have started his faith journey in New York but that is not clear. Alec enjoyed listening to the Bible on the Bible app especially the Psalms.

Alec loved animals and has had a number of cats and dogs over his lifetime. He liked getting together and did not want to always share his time but valued individual attention with family and especially his children. He enjoyed time with his sister Cathy very much and always welcomed communication with her, either talking or texting with her and all his family members.

When his health allowed, Alec loved an adventure and enjoyed to get outside and explore nature and shops. Alec enjoyed getting out to the stores in Kenosha and to the beach and the waterside restaurant.

Alec adapted to what life brought him and learned how to survive when times were hard. Although he suffered and struggled, his daughter Teresa states he was very brave and learned to navigate the rough roads of life. Alec loved to play board games and could do so for hours, enjoying the time with others. He liked to play risk but also video games, Nintendo and racing games.

Alec also enjoyed ice cream. He enjoyed every flavor of BaskinRobins ice cream he had ever tried. But he also enjoyed many other types of food such as ribs, pizza and fried shrimp. He also enjoyed the grandeur of Niagra Falls and lived near the falls for several years. Alec also enjoyed hiking and gardening and traveling, being outdoors and exploring and having fun outdoors and participating in a variety of seasonal events, such as fireworks and festivities.

Alec was a hero. He saved one mans life while walking with his family late one night by pulling the drowning man from the cold choppy waters of Lake Michigan in an area along a breaker wall, while walking on the beach with his family. He also helped a man who was trapped in a car after an accident. He believed very strongly in family and in the power of love. He loved to play and to be playful as well. Alec was strong and very able, kind and compassionate. Alec will forever be loved and greatly missed.

A visitation will be held at College Church 332 E Seminary Ave, Wheaton, IL 60187, on Wednesday, August 23, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00am. Interment will follow at Elmwood Cemetery in River Grove, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) DuPage,115 N County Farm Rd., Wheaton, IL 60187

Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027