Park Slope Food Coop 'Heartbroken' Over Staffer's Death

Billy Donald Alexis, a “beloved” manager at the Park Slope Food Coop, has passed away. He was 58.

An announcement on the Coop's website stated that Billy, known to other Coop members as “Alexis,” "brought a warm ray of sunshine in those early hours when trucks are unloaded and shelves stocked."

Alexis, who passed away at home on Feb. 11, was born Oct. 31, 1954.

Alexis worked for the Coop for 19 years as the bread buyer. During his time there he expanded and improved on the Coop's offerings, making the Coop “a true destination for excellent bread, bagels, muffins and other baked goodies” with a ready eye for the next best thing for members to bring home.

“He orchestrated the work of dozens of members with grace, humor and an infectious smile,” the statement continued. “Always warm and welcoming, Alexis had an uncanny ability for matching the right person to the right job. No task was too big, no crisis too great for Alexis to manage with a smile on his face and a hug to share.”

Alexis is survived by his wife Sheila Martin, and their children Stephen, Darian, and Jordan. The Coop will help arrange a memorial service for Alexis in the next few weeks.

You can stop by the Park Slope Food Coop, on Union Street between Sixth and Seventh avenues, to share your memories of Alexis in a condolence book set up in the lobby, to the right of the elevator. Once complete, the book will be given to Alexis’ family.

Do you have any memories of Alexis you want to share? Write them in the comments section below.