Dennis M. Alexander, 69, Owned Tracy's Karate Studio

He was born the son of Arthur L.(Ike) and Sylvia E. Alexander(nee Gelb) in Lorain, Ohio, in 1952 and was a lifelong resident of the city until moving to Arizona to pursue his retirement dreams.

Dennis was a 1970 graduate of Admiral King High School and attended The Ohio State University. In 1972 he began a 30 year long career with the Ford Motor Company’s Lorain Assembly Plant and was a member of the United Auto Workers Local 425. He later met and married the love of his life, Donna M. Alexander(nee Osman), and started a family. In addition to his dedication to family, Dennis was very passionate about the martial arts and began taking lessons in the late 1980s. His passion and relentless pursuit of learning led him to rise to the level of 4th Degree Blackbelt in Chinese Kenpo Karate. In the 1990s, he opened Tracy’s Karate Studio in Elyria, Ohio, to impart his knowledge on others. He was an adored instructor to many students of all ages over the years and was honorably recognized and inducted into the U.S.A. Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 2002.

He later embarked on work as a limo driver and in the private security sector before joining the Lorain Police Auxiliary. There, his desire to provide those in law enforcement with self-defense training steered him into a position as the agency’s defensive tactics instructor. Dennis was revered for his knowledge and ability to train with people of all skill levels. Through his 13 years of service and commitment to the community of Lorain he climbed through the ranks to Captain in 2017 and served as Treasurer for the Fraternal Order of Police Associates Lorain Lodge #46. In 2020, he and his family moved to Tucson, Arizona to enjoy a retirement in the sun. There, he took on his dream retirement job as a starter/marshal at the El Conquistador Golf Club.

Dennis was a gentle, caring, and selfless soul, beloved by his family, who always put others before himself. He had a strong sense of duty to serving his community and enjoyed golfing, making jokes, and being with family, but his favorite thing to do was spend time with his grandson, Zane. He was a member of the Agudath B’nai Israel Synagogue in Lorain, Ohio, and he also enjoyed sharing in the Catholic faith with his family. Dennis never met an enemy and was truly loved by everyone he encountered. He will be sorely missed.

He was preceded in death by his father Arthur in 1998, mother Sylvia in 2009, and nephew Ryan Osman in 2016. He is survived by his wife of 46 years Donna, son Nathan(Monique), daughter Nicole(John), grandson Zane “Zippy” Alexander, sister Diane Friedman and many extended family members.

The family will receive friends Monday November 15, 2021 from 2:00-4:00 pm and 6:00-8:00 pm at the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel, 3224 Broadway, Lorain. Funeral services will be held Tuesday November 16, 2021 at 11:00 am in the funeral chapel with Mr Mark Jaffa presiding. Burial will follow at Ridge Hill Memorial Park in Amherst Township. After the burial, the family invites all attendees to join them for a funeral luncheon at the Antler’s Grand Ballroom, 300 Washington Ave, Lorain.

Online condolences can be made at www.gluvna.net.