It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Alexander Michael Gospodinoff. He died peacefully at Greenwich Hospital on December 14 in his 97th year. Born July 1, 1927, Alexander is the son of Maria Christo Lallef and Michael Gospodinoff who had emigrated from Bulgaria.
Alex was a lifelong resident of Greenwich. He would often share many stories of his adventures growing up on the west side of town, swimming in the Byram River and hunting in the back country.
During his teen years he worked on the grounds of several of the great estates in Greenwich, which kindled his interests in horticulture and landscape design.
He instilled his love of landscaping and his strong work ethic in his children and grandchildren. Alex never “retired.” He was going to his shed or his office to work up until the end of his life.
Alex graduated from Greenwich High School in 1945 and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Navy to serve in World War 2. He was stationed on the USS Colorado BB-45 patrolling the Pacific Ocean. Following his military service Alexander enrolled at the University of Connecticut earning his degree in Landscape Design. Upon graduation he and his father developed the A & M Landscape Company which he operated for over seventy years. Alexander served as the President of the Westchester/Fairfield Horticulture Society for many years.
In 1947 Alex met the love of his life. Lucy Ramsey. They were married in 1951 at St. Mary Church in Greenwich. Lucy and Alex celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary earlier this year. Always a devoted family man who was immensely proud of his children and grandchildren. He was a good friend to many, and was always willing to lend a hand or share his wealth of knowledge in so many areas.
In addition to his wife, Alex is survived by his three children, Linda Shockley and her husband David, and sons Stephan and Roger. He was predeceased by his brother Stephan and his son Kenneth. He will be greatly missed by his six grandchildren, Brandon Gospodinoff, Victoria Miraglia, Jason Shockley, Katherine Shockley, Lex O’Halloran and Michael Gospodinoff, his three great granddaughters, Emma, Lucy and Aubrey and many nieces and nephews.
Alex’s extended family included the choir of St. Mary Church as he was a beloved member of the choir for fifty years. One of his many fond memories was traveling with the choir to Italy to perform in St. Peter’s Basilica.
Alex’s family would like to thank Dr. Nazanine Khairkah for her exceptional care and kindness, as well as the staff at both The Nathaniel Witherell and Greenwich Hospital for their outstanding dedication.
A wake will be held on Friday December 29 from 4:00-7:00pm at Fred D. Knapp Funeral Home, 134 Hamilton Avenue, Greenwich. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00am on Saturday, December 30 at St. Mary Church 178 Greenwich Avenue, Greenwich. He will be laid to rest at Putnam Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Alex’s name to St. Mary Church of Greenwich.