The gentrified Harlem in NYC that folks see today does not in any way resemble the chaotically-turbulent place Alexander Serrette was born into on November 30, 1933. He was the second child of Dorcas Serrette-Ayers and Albert Ayers, the first being Barbara. The "Great Depression" was in full-bloom as evidenced by numerous homeless people to be found huddled in alleyways around fire-barrels for warmth: Depravity and corruption was seen everywhere, and predatory youth gangs were to be found in every other block. It was a "locked-in〃 community Alex had to navigate in growing up: On the East side were the Italians and their thugs who controlled the politics, and on the West side past 116th Street, the Irish who dominated the police force. The Black Community itself was comprised of recent arrivals from not only the South, but the Caribbean, Panama, and Cuba, amongst whom there was always friction.

Alex grew up in a walk-up tenement apartment on 119th Street between Madison and Park Avenues. PS103, the elementary school he attended, was two steps from his home and the Cooper JHS he attended was one block away. Despite all the negatives, Alex had to confront growing up. Fortunately there was one bright spot that affected his life greatly: Mt. Morris Park. There, he experienced interested black adults who took him and others "under their wings" and taught him about teamwork, how to play chess, basketball, and just plain social skills in general. He also became interested in boxing and won several Golden Glove medals and awards. The park became a refuge of sorts for Alex who seemingly never tired. Everywhere he went he ran. He didn't smoke cigarettes; wine and marijuana held no interest for him. Through age 17 and 18, when most of his friends were going to dances, staying up all night "trying to get lucky", Alex seemed to take a more independent route: he seemingly became more involved with religion. At any rate, at age 18 _z Alex and all of his friends graduated high school, with most joining the military. But not Alex: He had obtained a skill in the electrical field, and he became a Trackman for NYC Transit. With a secure and well-paying job, Alex seemed to have been "set for life" at the time. But, that life was not to be for Alex! One can only speculate as to why, in 1956, Alex suddenly gave up a secure job and became of all things, a paratrooper! Some say "crazy," others say "destiny." Why the latter? After all, that's how he met his wife and mother of his three children. In 1956 he enlisted in both the Army Natl Guard, serving until 1977, and the US Army where he was stationed in Augusta, GA. There he met and married Bessie Abrams and had their first child, Ava. Shortly thereafter they moved to New York City where Alex became a New York City Transit Police Officer. In The Bronx they had four more children: April, Peter, Paul and Nancy.

In 1969, he moved his family to the quiet suburbs of Laurelton, Queens. There he retired as Sergeant in the late 70's and on April 1, 1979, Alex was baptized at Lebanon SDA Church in Queens.

He was a very personable man with a big, jovial outlook on life and made new friends wherever he went and maintained numerous childhood relationships. Alex always had an opinion and was ready to express it. Everyone who knew him always talks about his sunny disposition and how much he loved to talk and joke. He was able to find humor in almost anything and made everyone laugh.

Alex was an avid New York sports fan of all teams—his favorites being the New York Giants; the New York Yankees and The Knicks. He enjoyed watching military documentaries and movies, police & crime dramas, espionage, science fiction, action movies, nature shows and National Geographic. Alex also loved jazz music. He enjoyed traveling and often wished he had traveled more. Alex loved family, and loved getting together for holidays and gatherings. He loved all foods—his favorite cuisine being Caribbean foods and potato salad.

His love of chess began as a youth in Harlem and continued in Maryland and Washington, DC. He enjoyed all card games and even created a new version of Pinochle. He played and taught chess, bridge, and bid whist classes in New York City, Maryland and Washington, DC.

He is survived by three daughters: Ava, April and Nancy; three grandchildren: Aria, Knowledge and Shalea; a son-like nephew Bobby; a daughter-like niece, Linda; a sister-by-the-law, Mildred; a son-in-law, David and a host of cousins, relatives, friends and associates. He will be missed by many.

Lovingly, by his dear friend, Charles Ritzberg and The Serrette Family