Alex “Hap” Obrizok Jr., a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend passed away peacefully on August 20, 2026, in Selma, North Carolina, at the age of 103. He was born on April 10, 1923 in Yonkers, New York to Alexander Obrizok Sr. and Julia Pyrtko Obrizok. Alex grew up in Yonkers and after marrying the love of his life, Edna Kessler Obrizok, made their home in Mount Vernon, NY. In 1957 they purchased a summer bungalow in Lake Carmel, NY. What began as a summer retreat eventually became the family's year-round home, and in 1963 Alex and Edna moved their family there permanently.

He spent the next 32 years working for the New York Telephone Company as an installer, a repairman and working underground in manholes. He loved his job and took great pride in his work. His remarkable dedication was reflected in the fact that he never missed a day of work during his entire career.

Alex proudly served his country during World War II; joining the United States Coast Guard in 1941 at age 19. He joined the Navy in 1946 during the Korean war and later served with the Seabees where he was involved with construction at a local Girl Scout camp. In November of 2019, in Portsmouth, Virginia, he presented the USS Tampa with a historic Coast Guard Ensign. The flag, from the 1940s, stayed with him until after 73 years in his possession, he discovered it in an old wooden trunk and made it a mission to return this artifact to the current USCG Cutter Tampa where it is now a treasured memento.

Alex was a man who could fix nearly anything. He loved woodworking and enjoyed working with his hands, always ready to repair, build, or figure out how something worked. In the evenings, he could often be found reading the New York Daily News. He appreciated the simple routines of life and took pride in doing things well.

But Alex's greatest legacy was not found in his career or the things he built with his hands. It was found in the life he built for his family. He was a loving, solid, reliable, and predictable presence in the lives of those who depended upon him. He was a man of strong morals and unwavering principles; someone who could always be counted on to do what was right. Through his words of wisdom, his example, and the life he lived, he taught his children and grandchildren many lessons that will remain with them forever.

Alex was preceded in death by his wife Edna, in 2001 and two sisters; Mildred Bendas and Mary Supsak as well as his son-in-law Richard Ruh. He leaves behind his children; Robert and Cynthia Obrizok of LaGrangeville, NY; Jacalyn Obrizok Ruh of Plymouth, NC; James and Lisa Obrizok of Red Hook, NY; sister Patricia Obrizok of Poughkeepsie, NY; eight grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and many extended family members as well as friends and acquaintances whose lives were touched by his presence.

After 103 years of life, Alex leaves behind a legacy of love, humor, hard work, honesty, dependability, and devotion to family. He was a man who could be counted on; a steady presence and a source of wisdom and strength. His family will carry the lessons he taught them, the memories they shared, and the love he gave them for generations to come.