April 1, 2007--Bernie Alexander, 55, of Newark, died at his home on March 27 after a courageous battle with Lou Gehrig's disease.

Mr. Alexander served as fire protection engineering/fire marshal at the University of Delaware for 19 years.

Born in Coatesville, Pa., Mr. Alexander attended Octorara High School, Lincoln University and graduated from Delaware Technical and Community College with a degree in fire protection engineering technology. He was a member of Cochranville Fire Co. and Union Fire Co. in Oxford, Pa., for 35 years.

Before joining UD, he was employed by the city of Newark and by PSE & G.

He and his wife were founders of First Experience Preschool and Childcare Center. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Newark and served as trustee.

His hobbies included carpentry, gardening, and traveling.

Mr. Alexander is survived by his wife of 33 years, Susan (McGeehan) Alexander; his son, Shawn, and daughter, Kristen, of Newark; his parents, Maurice W. and Eleanor Alexander, of Cochranville, Pa..; sister, Linda Punchard, and her husband, Mark, of Gettysburg, Pa.; nephew, Mark Punchard, and wife, Mandy, and their three children; niece, Stephanie Punchard of Gettysburg, Pa.; and other family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m., Monday, April 2, at First Presbyterian Church, 292 West Main St., Newark. Interment will be private. Friends may call from 5-8 p.m., Sunday April 1, at Chandler Funderal Home, 7230 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, Del.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church; or Delaware Hospice, 3515 Silverside Rd., Wilmington, DE 19810.