Memorial Book for Alex Hacker
As you read these messages, may there be comfort in knowing that others are thinking of you.

The Benjamin Family



Alois Matanovic & Sali Murphy January 10, 2026 02:14 PM
It is with great sadness I write following the loss of Alex. Alois and I were privileged to have known Alex, our elegantly eloquent and physically disciplined neighbour of many decades. Our deepest condolences to family Hacker. Alois & Sali
Kyoko Mogi January 06, 2026 10:56 PM
My deepest condolences to Andy and the Family. I only know Alex through Andy, but it was always how loved and respected Alex was. Reading his life history, I can only admire his strength and courage. I can’t imagine how difficult this time is for the Family. May Alex rest in peace.
Mimi Hollenberg January 05, 2026 08:52 AM
Dear Hacker family, Please accept my deepest sympathy on the death of your beloved father. Mimi Hollenberg
Felix Roth January 05, 2026 02:27 AM
Lieber Jason, liebe Familie, ich möchte euch mein großes Bedauern über den Tod von Alex aussprechen. Ich durfte Ihn während eines Jahrestags der Befreiung in der KZ-Gedenkstätte Mittelbau-Dora kennenlernen und bin bis heute noch tief beeindruckt und dankbar für diese Begegnung. Es hat mich immer gefreut zu sehen, wie aktiv und positiv gestimmt er selbst in hohem Alter war. Ich wünsche euchihnen viel Kraft die es nun braucht, um mit dem Verlust umzugehen. Herzliche Grüße, Felix (Roth)
Florence Yu January 04, 2026 05:29 PM
I was lucky to have worked for Andy in the law office back in 1995 and leaned that his parents Alex and Florence love dim sum! I remember having dim sum with them and they really enjoyed it so much that made me feel I should appreciate the food more (as a Hongkonger). Andy, I know you are very close to your parents and after your mom''s passing, you tried to visit your dad whenever you can. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Kayoko and Koto during this difficult time. Florence
Scott Masters January 03, 2026 11:27 AM
My condolences to the Hacker family. My students and I were lucky enough to do a zoom interview with Alex a few years ago, which can be seen on the Crestwood Oral History Project. It was our honour to meet him.
Andrew Gurudata January 03, 2026 08:57 AM
I had the great pleasure of meeting Alex back around the time of the Constellation Hotel’s closing, when I had started a website about the hotel’s history. Alex was a wonderful man who not only gave me a wealth of information about the hotel''s history and its early days but also shared several other tales of his life with me. Over the years, we kept up an on-again, off-again correspondence, and I feel very honoured that he took the time to share those pieces of his history with me. It was so incredibly sad to hear that he had passed. As it says in his obituary, he was indeed a deeply likeable man, and he will be greatly missed. My deepest condolences to all his family and his network of great friends.
Chiharu Patrick and Jude January 02, 2026 08:31 PM
Deepest condolences to Andy, Kayoko, Koto, and family. Our hearts are sunken to hear grandpa Alex’s passing. As we think about grandpa Alex, the first thing that always comes up to our mind is his kind and warm smile when he held baby Jude. Although it was too short, we were blessed to have known such a wonderful man like grandpa Alex even a tiny bit. We are 14-hour flight away, but our thoughts are with you, Andy, Kayoko, and Koto.
MARTIN WAGMAN January 02, 2026 07:59 PM
Dear Lee, Andy and Lynn: We are all so sad to say goodbye to Alex. 99 years and 8 months is an amazing lifespan. Even more unbelievable is the quality of life you lived until the very end. Riding a bicycle in your 90''s, going to the gym, shopping, and doing your tax return on the computer all on your own are just a few items to be registered on the incredible scale. Your ability to overcome the horrific adversity of the holocaust and several medical problems are truly miracles. Alex, you were always kind and a pleasure to be around. I cannot recall you ever raising your voice in the 55 years I have been lucky enough to know the Hacker family. And, who could not rejoice after hearing you deliver your message to Hitler- I''m still here you bastard. You are definitely still here in our hearts. Rest in Peace. Martin Wagman and Family
Doug Levy January 02, 2026 07:32 PM
Alex entered my life when I was a child. My father was in advertising and one of his clients was the Thruway Plaza (the first of its kind in Buffalo) and Alex wanted to learn more about its marketing. From that meeting grew a friendship that has lasted to this day and for four generations, if you count Alex’s parents in whose home I was introduced to sweet vermouth heavily diluted with Seven-Up. Soon we were guests in his home on Rosemary Rd where Lynn, Lee, Andy and I played while Alex, Flo and my parents discussed world affairs. With the advent of the inestimable Constellation Hotel, day trips became weekend adventures as guests in the suite designated for the Queen or Prime Minister. A day at the poolside preceded scrumptious meals in the Burgundy Room, where my first Caesar Salad was prepared at table side. We children grew, my father passed but we never lost touch—the advantage of the world’s longest undefended border. The venue for visiting became the Manulife Centre and now included grandchildren from the Maritimes to Japan. The Hackers were an amazing, loving family, with Alex, always sharp as a tack, riding his bicycle, playing cutthroat Scrabble, and enfolding me as an appreciative member of it.
Mazher Jaffery January 02, 2026 12:02 PM
Dear Lee; Alex must have been a great man as he influenced and inspired his son Lee who is also a successful man with compassion, kindness and integrity. We are are so sorry for your loss. Jaffery family
Meg Mouckley Moskovitz January 02, 2026 08:29 AM
Dear Lynn, my brother Jeff passed along the sad news of your father’s passing. I have many fond memories of growing up next door to your family on Rosemary Road. It was a idilic time and I remember both your parents well.
Kotomi January 02, 2026 07:14 AM
Dear,Andy, Kayoko, Koto, and the Hacker family, please accept my deepest condolences. When I was in Toronto, Mr.Alex was always so kind to me through Kayoko. He helped me a great deal during my job search as well and always kind and lovely. I’m truly thankful for that. I sincerely hope that the hearts of your family will gradually find peace and healing.
Sylvain & family January 01, 2026 05:09 PM
Dear Andy, Kayoko, Koto and the Hacker family, We send you all our earnest condolences from Switzerland, knowing how close you were to your father and grandfather Alex. Sena, Keita, Tomomi and I send you our deepest sympathies and our hearts go out to you and your family at this difficult time, with lots of love.
Robert Powadiuk January 01, 2026 02:55 PM
The Hacker Family, I am in Collingwood and unfortunately not able to attend today. My brother russell is in Costa Rica. I certainly enjoyed all of the time spent with Alex. He had a lot of wisdom which he shared in a very gentle way. To this day I continue to spread his words for business negotiations:” don’t look in the other guys pockets “. I invariably go on to attribute the expression to “a very wise European gentleman “. And that he was. Robert.
Peter Kontak January 01, 2026 12:43 PM
KONTAK FAMILY Andy, condolences to both you and the family. Meeting Alex and Florence as a teenager in the summer of ‘84, and living with both them and Andy are simply remarkable life memories. Who knew garlic salt was as essential food. Tennis games, bicycles rides to the Beaches and LICKS. Alex knew and loved Toronto and had abundant youthful energy. As an adult, no trip to Toronto occurred without visiting Alex and introducing him to my wife and son. Our parents, Peggy passed in ‘09 and Walter ‘12. Safe to say, Alex became a second father, and Walter would be both so happy and proud. Tennis partner, mentor, friend and second father. Thank you, Peter.
Dr. Nina Dimitriadou Yassin January 01, 2026 11:27 AM
Dear Alex, My heart breaks to write this last goodbye to you. It was just yesterday that I met you, Lee and Julia at the 69th Anniversary memorial of the liberation of Mittelbau-Dora concentration camp. We talked about my uncle Valery and your suffering and surviving in the camps, and how you were transported and liberated from Bergen-Belsen camp in 1945. You kindly showed your interest in participating in my project ‘The Last of the Survivors’ that I created to convey these memories of the horrors of the camps for future generations to remember. I vividly recall my arrival at your apartment in Toronto and making your portrait! It was that day I met Flo and Andy, too. While applying oil paint directly onto your face, Lee took some photos and Andy sent some images to his wife Kayoko in Japan. She called back immediately checking on what’s happening to your face, while Flo was worrying about you enduring the process. There was so much love and care about you and for each other what a beautiful family you have nourished! You not only supported me in this creative initiative, but you also helped my husband Aaron by evaluating his business proposal for a Brooklyn property construction project. This led to Lee and his partner Dino’s decision to invest in the development that brought to life a great new residential building for New York City this summer! It felt that you cared about your friends as we are your own family and we are grateful to you Alex for the support and encouragement! When my time will come too, I hope to see you and Flo there, and I have no doubt that you will choose the best place for us to gather and have a meal as you were always generous with treating us for great meals. There we will talk about what is happening in the world, politics, new books and films that you found, and we can re-watch the marvelous first series of Shtisel that you introduced to us. Alex, you created a beautiful life around you and we are honored to have been a part of it. Farewell dearest Alex
Steven Unger January 01, 2026 11:20 AM
Sorry to hear about your loss. I was always grateful for the ways he kept in touch with my mother when she was alive.
Shoko Kitada January 01, 2026 08:14 AM
Dear Andy, Kayoko, Koto, and Family. I''m deeply sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
Richard Bernard January 01, 2026 01:16 AM
Dear Andy & Family, Please accept my condolences on the passing of your dad. The tribute you included really spoke to an exceptional life well lived. May his memory be a blessing!
The Stone Family December 31, 2025 06:57 PM
Our deepest condolences to Andy, Kayoko, and Koto. Papa was very loved and will always be remembered for his kindness and warmth. May his memory be a blessing during this difficult time. We are thinking of you.
Richard Ochshorn December 31, 2025 06:51 PM
Lee, Lynn and Andy. I’m so sorry for your loss. Your dad lived an amazing and long life. I have lots of great memories of your dad and of your mom as well. Your dad had such a calm, relaxing voice and was always so welcoming. Always enjoyed spending time with him when we were growing up. Sorry to miss the funeral and shiva as I’m away till next week.
Robert Pamela & Danielle Farb December 31, 2025 06:23 PM
Wow...what a life! Alex not only lived long, he lived fully. As a lifelong friend of Andy''s I have vivid memories of Alex and always admired him. A couple of standouts include his beautiful Citroen sitting in the driveway on Rosemary and how he sported an ascot tie. His uniqueness shone through. I was even lucky enough to meet your grandmother on your Dad''s side on our trips to play ping pong at The Manulife in the 70s & 80s. It was easy to see how your dad ended up being such a mensch. Andy, my thoughts are with you and your family as well as Lee & Lynn and everyone else lucky enough to know your Dad. I know how special your Mom was and now they''re together once again.
Linda Friedlich December 31, 2025 02:54 PM
Dear Lynn, Lee & Andy, Your dad was an amazing man! Kind, smart & loving! I remember him fondly growing up on Rosemary Road. So sorry for your loss, may his memory be a blessing! Linda & Joey
Peter Krausz Chair Board of Trustees Jewish Roots in Győr Public Charity Foundation December 31, 2025 11:48 AM
We are very sorry to hear about Alex’s passing. A few years ago, he contacted us to share the “Győr story” of his family. We were pleased and honoured to publish his memoirs. Please feel free to click https:jewishgyor.orgen20220421memoirs-of-alex-hacker, although I am quite sure that he also shared the family history with you in person. In fact, Alex was among the first to share parts of his memoirs with us following the creation of our Foundation in early 2022. He remained in contact with us for as long as he could, and he expressed his sadness at not being able, due to his advanced age, to attend the 2024 world reunion of Jews with roots in Győr, organised on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the deportations to German death camps. We are proud that members of your family are regular readers of our Newsletter, thanks to your father’s earlier initiative. We will carefully preserve Alex’s memory.
Sari Spivak Weinstein December 31, 2025 09:28 AM
Lynn, Lee and Andy I am so sorry to learn of the passing of your beloved Dad, Grandfather and Great Grandfather. I have vivid memories of special times together with your family at your home and at your farm. While I have not seen your Dad for many years, Andy has kept me up to date. I so admired and was always inspired by his enthusiasm for life and his athletic abilities. I hope your wonderful memories will provide comfort to you during this difficult time.
David Dunkelman December 31, 2025 09:10 AM
Alex was an inspiration to us all. His perserverance throughout his life and his dedication to family and friends were traits admired by all that were fortunate to know him. On behalf of the Dunkelman fanily “may your memory be a blessing”.
Dezső Jakabovits December 31, 2025 08:55 AM
In the name of the Jews of Győr, we rembember about Alex Hacker with love. The people of Győr will not forget the Hacker family. Dezső Jakabovits
The staff of Mittelbau-Dora Concentration Camp Memorial December 31, 2025 05:23 AM
Dear Alex, It is with great sadness and shock that we - the staff of Mittelbau-Dora Concentration Camp Memorial - learned of your passing a few days ago. For many years, you have been a close friend and supporter of our commemorative work. We are deeply grateful for your many visits, for sharing your life story as a survivor, witness, and friend, and for our continued contact by heart. At Mittelbau-Dora Concentration Camp Memorial we will cherish your memory and continue to tell your story. We will never forget you! Dear family members and relatives, we are deeply saddened and wish you strength and confidence by heart during this difficult time. You will always be welcome at the memorial. On behalf of the team at Mittelbau-Dora Concentration Camp Memorial with sincere condolences and greetings Andreas Froese Memorial Director
Johannes Leib December 31, 2025 03:55 AM
Dear Alex, is hard for me to belief that you are gone. I remember when we met back in Germany during the liberation days of Mittelbau Dora. The way you talked about your history and the horror that you witnessed was not just only impressing it was also full of empathy and a certain humor. It was one of the best moments I had working for the foundation. You made as laugh so hard when you gave the message to Hitler: “I’m still here you bastard” during your stay in the Nordhausen and until now this quote is printed on the walls inside the memorial. I don’t know what to say and I’m running out of words, but at least I can make a promise to tell your story and keep your memories alive through our work in the educational tours. To all your friends and family my deepest condolences and all the strength that you need! Lots of love Johannes Leib
The Leeder family December 30, 2025 10:54 PM
Our sincere condolences to Andy, Kayoko, Koto and family. What an amazing life your father lived. Our deepest thoughts are with you during this difficult time. May he live on in all your hearts and the beautiful stories you share of him.
Fumi December 30, 2025 07:47 PM
My sincere condolences to your loss. I’m just devastated by the loss of Papa, who was always brave, full of energy to live his own life, and so much loved by all the people he’s engaged with. My heart is with you all. RIP, Papa.
Corinne and Ron Marsh December 30, 2025 05:16 PM
To Lynn , Allen and family . So sorry for your loss . Reading that obituary he sure was an incredible man that lived a profound life .
Ramona Gonzalez December 30, 2025 03:55 PM
Dear Lee, my condolences at this time, I am so sorry for your loss.
Brian Heller December 30, 2025 03:06 PM
Lee, Please know how sorry I am to learn of your dad’s passing. His obituary sets out a life so full of every possible experience, from the horrors of the Holocaust to the rewards of family, friendship and success. It is my sincere wish that your dad’s memory be a blessing to you and your entire family. Brian Heller
Katherine December 30, 2025 02:53 PM
What a life well lived and an inspiring personality.Lovely tribute.My dear Lynn and family I am so very sorry for the loss of your father.You are in my thoughts and prayers. Katherine MacKeigan
Rick & Aimee December 30, 2025 10:35 AM
A remarkable life lived for a remarkable man. Andy - Aimee and I are sending our deepest condolences to your family.
Lou Dale December 30, 2025 10:23 AM
Dear Lynn, Lee and Andy, So sorry for your great loss. I used to babysit for you kids on Rosemary Road. Your parents were wonderful. To teach you how to share; at bedtime, we would cut up a pickle and you would each get a bite! When I got married, our honeymoon suite was at The Constellation. Sending you my love and wonderful memories.
Judy Shiner December 30, 2025 09:54 AM
Dear Lee, Condolences on the loss of your father. What a wonderful obituary honouring him and documenting his full and long life. May his memory be for a blessing.
José Iturbe Milanes December 30, 2025 09:12 AM
An incredible life, an extraordinary human being. I am grateful for the opportunity to have met and interacted with a person of Alex Hacker''s caliber. Forever in our memories.
Linda & Don December 30, 2025 08:19 AM
Lynn & family, Our heartfelt sympathy … A truly amazing dad to be so proud of .. now and forever. Cherish your fond memories ♥️
Jed Rabinovitch MD December 30, 2025 08:10 AM
I had the pleasure of taking care of Florence and Alex for many years at the Albany Clinic. May his memory be a blessing during this difficult time. With deepest sympathy, Jed Rabinovitch MD
A member of the Jewish Community December 29, 2025 09:28 PM
May the memory of Alex Hacker be for a blessing to Klal Israel. The death of a person is sad for the family and also for the Community as we have lose a Holocaust survivor. The most respectable obituary told us a great deal about your fathergrandfather. Baruch Dayen HaEmet
Al and Florene Spiegel December 29, 2025 08:38 PM
Dear Hacker family. So sorry to hear Alex’s passing. We only knew him a couple of days from being roommates at Bridgepoint Hospital room 8th floor room 055. He endured quite a lot in his life and was quite a remarkable man. May his memory be a blessing.
Vanessa and Mark Mandel December 29, 2025 08:32 PM
Dear Andy and family, we are so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. Mark has many fond memories of being with your parents. He especially loved Breakfast at Wimbledon. Your father was truly a special man, he was blessed with a long life and a beautiful family. We always looked forward to photos of you and your dad bike riding. May his memory and his legacy be a blessing.
Charmaine Kelegan December 29, 2025 07:53 PM
Alex was one of the nicest person I ever met so soft spoken. He will be miss my condolences to the family.
Daphne Smith December 29, 2025 07:33 PM
My deepest heartfelt condolences. What a remarkable man and such a full impactful life. Sending lots of love at this time of great loss.
Phyllis & Jonathan Spivak December 29, 2025 01:12 PM
So terribly sorry that your beloved father Alex passed away. He was dearly loved by your family and many friends and was blessed with a long life! I hope you will be available to visit personally over the weekend!