Errol Alexander Obituary

Dr. Errol Duane Alexander, CMS,MBA,PhD,FRSA

Jul 11, 1941 - Dec 4, 2025

Sandusky

Dr. Errol Duane Alexander, CMS, MBA, PhD, FRSA, a distinguished scholar, pioneering leader, and lifelong learner, entered eternal rest with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Thursday, December 4, 2025, at the age of 84, following a courageous journey with long-term illness.

Born July 11, 1941, in Sandusky, Errol was one of six children of Willis B. and Thelma E. Alexander. From his earliest years, he demonstrated remarkable intellect and leadership. At Sandusky City Schools, he broke barriers as the first Black student elected cheerleader, while also serving as President of the Forum Club and Vice President of both the Latin and International Clubs. His brilliance in science was evident when he became the first Sandusky student to earn an "excellent" rating at the State Science Fair-an achievement later honored with his induction into the Sandusky City Schools Hall of Fame in 2005.

In 1959, his family relocated to Akron, where Errol completed his senior year of high school. His passion for justice and service quickly found expression: from 1961 to 1965, he served as President of the NAACP, championing civil rights and workplace inclusion as a union representative. In 1963, he was appointed regional coordinator for the historic March on Washington, helping bring Ohioans to witness Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic "I Have a Dream" speech. He also worked in Ohio factories before joining Bendix Aerospace Systems, where he served as the only African American technician on a team contributing to NASA's "Moon Shot" program. Later, he moved to Connecticut, where he worked as a senior project engineer at Pratt & Whitney, as a venture capitalist at Hartford National Bank, and, in 1971, co-founded Profiles, Inc.

Errol's pursuit of knowledge was relentless and inspiring. He earned his master of business administration (MBA) with distinction from the University of Strathclyde, and ultimately a doctor of philosophy in strategic management and innovation from the University of Glasgow, Scotland. He later became dean of the MBA Program at the University of Stirling. His academic contributions extended internationally, with fellowships at Columbia, Dartmouth, and St. John's University at Cambridge, England. He further enriched his expertise through professional courses and seminars at Princeton, Stanford, and Boston College, and earned certificates in management and finance from the Hartford Graduate Center at the University of Connecticut and The Ohio State University.

Drawing on his education and corporate experience, he founded Profile Research Consultant Group, a business built on partnerships with corporations and the philosophy of community networking. His vision opened countless doors within organizations and communities. He also served on the boards of the Urban League of Greater Hartford, the Hartford Community Renewal Team and was very active with the Hartford Boule.

Beyond academia, Errol embodied the spirit of entrepreneurship and the power of human connection to transform lives. He loved international travel, conducting business and research in Scotland, Nigeria, South Africa, and Mauritius, and personal travels to Switzerland, Italy, and England, where he inspired his children's love of travel.

At his core, Errol was about legacy and family. A gifted painter, writer, counselor, and mentor, he shared his personal journey in higher education to inspire others, embodying his belief in the American Dream and the dignity of all people. His courage in standing for civil and human rights, often at personal cost, left a lasting mark on his community. On October 4, 2018, he was inducted into the Ohio Civil Rights Hall of Fame, recognized among six honorees whose leadership and determination profoundly impacted countless lives.

Dr. Alexander leaves behind a legacy of pioneering spirit, intellectual curiosity, and steadfast leadership for all who knew him.

He is survived by his children three sons, Douglas Rice of Ohio, Errol Alexander, Jr., PhD (Maria) of Connecticut, and James Alexander (Keila) of Washington; and five daughters, Kay Waddell Darden of Michigan, Mia Alexander-Snow, PhD (Jeff) of Georgia, Lorre Alexander (fiancé Rick Lassiter) of Connecticut, Penny Alexander of Connecticut, and Victoria Alexander (Sebastian) of England. And, he is remembered by 12 grandchildren, Amari, Chloe, Christopher, Erin, Errol Junior, Jeffery Thomas (JT), Jillian, Kyle, Sydney, Timothy, Trevor, and Trinity; and four great-grandchildren, Timothy, Christopher, Quinn, and Porter. His sisters, Grayce Harmon, Deborah Sparks, and Tamara Thivierge of Georgia, along with nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends, will continue to cherish his memory.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Willis B. and Thelma E. Alexander; former wife, Cherie Alexander; and brothers, Michael and Roger Alexander.

A funeral service will be Saturday, December 20, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. (family visitation at 11:00 a.m.) at Toft Funeral Home and Crematory, 2001 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky, Ohio 44870. Services will also be live-streamed beginning at 11:30 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dr. Errol Duane Alexander's memory to your favorite educational charity or organization.

Condolences may be sent to 10 Graham Road, Windsor, Connecticut 06095, or shared with family at https://www.toftfuneralhome.com.