Rodney William Alexander

Rod, as most called him, was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.

A graduate of the University of Michigan, he received a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1941 and a Master of Business Administration in 1962.

A World War II Veteran, he served with honor in the U.S. Navy as a Naval Ordnance Officer at Guantanamo Naval Air Station in Cuba.

Rod retired from his career as an Automotive Mechanical Engineer in January of 1990. He split his career spending 16 years with Buick and 32 years at Ford, where he successfully launched one of the best mini-luxury cars in the industry. Automobiles had been his passion- all types from racing cars to antique cars. In his retirement, he continued his passion through his volunteer work with the Collier Automotive Museum and the Rev’s Institute in Naples, FL.

He also volunteered on the Captiva Cruises in Sanibel, FL where he lectured about the environment and Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. To prepare for this, he received a Florida Master Naturalist Certificate from the University of Florida.

Although Rod had many accomplishments, he is most proud of his marriage at age 70 to his wife Joan. Through his own words he described her as a beautiful, intelligent, and energetic young woman, who made his retirement life as exciting as his previous work.

Rod will be forever remembered for the love of his late dog, Fluffy. She kept him healthy with their four time daily walks. He wrote many stories of their adventures together to share with his grandchildren. He will be missed by his current dog, Millie who will be waiting for him at the blue chair.

He is predeceased by his parents, brother, Richard Alexander, son, Gary Miller and granddaughter, Sarah Miller.

Rod leaves behind his wife of 31 years, Joan Margaret Miller Alexander, his children, Rodney Alexander, James Alexander, Catherine Hyek, Richard Miller, Elaina Altunbas, Stephen Miller, and Merrillanne Speers. Rod adored his many grandchildren, Melissa Alexander, Katrina Hyek, Samantha Hyek, Christopher Hyek, Erin Ortino, Kevin Miller, Garret Ortino, Laura Miller, Ryan Miller, Connor Schlaff, Taylor Wortman, Stephen Miller, Suheyla Altunbas and great-grandchildren, Rheanna Romo, Kameron Alexander, and William Miller.

A memorial service will be held at a later date considering the current pandemic.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Hope Hospice or Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida.