Maurice Myron Alexander, 95, passed away Monday March 25, 2013 at Crouse Hospital. A life resident of South Onondaga area, he graduated with a BS degree from New York State College of Forestry, a MS degree from the University of Connecticut and a PhD from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. He served in the European theatre of World War II, receiving the Bronze Medal. He stayed in the Army reserves for a total of 23 years, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. He received the New York State's highest medal the Conspicuous Service Cross. He was active in local community affairs, having served on the Board of the Onondaga Central Schools, as scoutmaster of the local Boy Scout troop and as a member and lay leader of the South Onondaga United Methodist Church.
Dr. Alexander joined the faculty of the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry as a wildlife biologist in 1949, becoming the Chairman of the Department of Forest Zoology and Director of the Roosevelt Forest Wildlife Research Station. He taught various courses in vertebrate zoology and ecology, specializing in wetland habitat ecology. He authored many scientific and professional publications. An annual Maurice M. and Annette B. Alexander Wetland Research Award at SUNY ESF honors his work in that area of study. He was a founding member of the New York Chapter of The Wildlife Society, serving at one time as its President. He was also the President of the Syracuse Chapter of the honorary Society of the Sigma Xi at the time of its 50th anniversary celebration. He was associated with several professional societies including as a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, as a life member of the American Society of Mammalogists chairing national committees, as a Certified Senior Ecologist of the Ecological Society of America, as a certified Wildlife Biologist of the Wildlife Society and an active member of the Society of Wetland Scientist. He served many years on the Onondaga County Environmental Management Council, the New York State Fish and Wildlife Management Board and the New York State Freshwater Wetland Appeal Board. He retired in 1983 and more recently was awarded the title of Illustrious Emeritus Professor by his peers.
He was predeceased by his wife Annette in 2003 and son Ralph in 2011
He is survived by his sons Richard of Houston, TX and Robert of South Onondaga; 5 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.
He will be sorely missed by his family, friends and colleagues.
Services will be 11 a.m. Thursday March 28 at Apple Valley United Methodist Church, 4424 S. Onondaga Rd., Nedrow. Burial will be in South Onondaga Cemetery. Calling hours will be from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday March 27 at the Plis Funeral Home 33 North St., Marcellus.
Donations may be made to the Maurice M. and Annette B. Alexander Wetland Research Fund, c/o SUNY ESF, 1 Forest Dr. Syracuse, NY 13210 or Apple Valley United Methodist Church.

Read Maurice Alexander's Obituary and Guestbook on www.plisfuneralhome.com.