Alex's obituary
After decades filled with vibrant experiences, dogged determination, and countless friendships, Alexander L. Hackett Jr. passed away peacefully at home in Telford, PA on April 12, 2025. He was surrounded with the love of his devoted wife of 56 years, Joan (nee Narducci) and their daughters, Bunny (Jack) Cosenza of Hatboro, Alexandra Hackett of Telford, and Renee (Tom) Frisch of Lafayette Hill. Alex was 91 years old. He was preceded in death by his brother John Hackett, his son, Jeffrey Hackett, and daughter, Susan Fersaci. In addition to his wife and three daughters, Alex leaves behind nine grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and one great great-grandchild.
Alex was born on February 25, 1934 to Alexander L. Hackett Sr. and his wife Eleanor (nee Curran). A native of Philadelphia, Alex grew up in the Germantown and Mount Airy neighborhoods of the city and he spent summers living with extended family on their farm in Benton, Columbia County, which laid the foundations for the value of hard work and expanding one’s own horizons.
Alex attended Slippery Rock University for two semesters, then his city roots called him back to Philadelphia where he worked at his father’s home heating oil business. Alex had three children with his first wife: Jeffrey, Susan and Bunny. He married Joan in 1968 and together they had two daughters, Alexandra and Renee.
Alex lived life on his terms, unapologetically. He never met a challenge he could not overcome. A self-taught auto mechanic and entrepreneur, Alex thrived in environments where he was his own boss. He opened his first business in his mid-20s. Over the years, he owned and operated several service stations, including a partnership in Horsham Exxon, serving as sole proprietor of Dresher Gulf, and later World Transmission in Gilbertsville from which he retired at the age of 73.
Known for his bold personality and outgoing nature, Alex loved meeting new people. He befriended individuals of all ages and backgrounds through a variety of interests and hobbies. He was always the first to help a friend or a stranger in need. Alex worked hard, played hard and loved leisure. He was a longtime boater on the Chesapeake Bay where he enjoyed trawling for blue fish and anchoring at Still Pond. He made many fond memories with his family on their Egg Harbor, the Foots and Toots, that they docked at McDaniels Yacht Basin in Northeast, MD., and Tolchester Marina near Rock Hall, MD.
Alex was drawn to anything he could drive fast that had a loud engine. He was the proud owner of a 1967 Stingray Corvette, a Harley Davidson enthusiast, and a beloved member of the Blue Comets Motorcycle Club and area HOG clubs. He and Joan traveled throughout the US on his 1985 Harley Davidson wide glide, that he affectionately called Wild Child, as well as on a full dresser Harley that he later converted into a trike so he could continue to ride into his later years. Alex’s travels expanded far beyond his Harley and boat. He and Joan visited many places around the world, including Ireland, Germany, Costa Rica, the Canadian Rockies, Alaska, and multiple trips throughout the Caribbean.
Alex appreciated a tender steak and a “Stinger on the rocks” (crème-de-menthe and brandy). He was an avid reader and fan of many genres of music, most notable the nostalgia of 1980’s country. Alex had a soft spot for animals, especially German Shepherds, and provided a home to many dogs and cats over the years.
The family is hosting a Celebration of Life on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, starting with a visitation, 10 am - noon at Sadler Suess Funeral Home on Main Street, in Telford, PA, followed by a brief on-site memorial service, then internment at St. John Neumann Cemetery, 3797 County Line Rd, Chalfont, PA.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Society for the Protection of Animals (SPCA) of Montgomery County, 9 E. Ridge Pike, PO Box 222 Conshohocken, PA 19428-0222