Alexander E. Gress was a 50-year-old father of three who lived with his wife Jennifer in Buffalo, N.Y.
Gress was competing in the Ironman 70.3 Muskoka Triathlon on July 9 when he suffered health complications. According to IRONMAN organizers, swim safety personnel provided medical attention to Gress before he was transported to a local hospital.
“He tragically passed away doing something he loved – competing in an Ironman in Muskoka, Ontario,” states his obituary. “An avid cyclist and dedicated athlete, Alex found so much joy in intense competition and sport, and pushed himself to excel. Jennifer and the kids were always his biggest fans and cheerleaders as he took on these challenges,” it adds.
According to his obituary, after graduating from university he started work at Price Waterhouse where he met the love of his life, Jennifer. After marrying in 2000, the couple “embarked on a wonderful life together in NYC and went on to more adventures in London, Charlotte, Toronto, and ultimately Buffalo, where they’ve built a strong community of friends and colleagues.”
Gress was a well-known businessperson and community champion. “He devoted himself tirelessly to his work at 43North, First Niagara Bank, and Life Storage. He proudly served on the Board of his beloved Canisius High School and the Buffalo Club,” according to his obituary.
“The supportive community they’ve built together as a family in Buffalo is and will be a source of love and great friendship during a very difficult time. Alex is deeply loved and survived by Jennifer, Emily, Natalie, and Nathaniel; his parents, Dr. Edward and Katie Gress; and his brothers, Albert (Banu) and Richard Gress. He is also loved and survived by his in-laws, Paula and Francis Daily; Colleen and Henry Simonds; Jonathan Daily; and his nephews, John and George Simonds. His memory is cherished by innumerable friends, many of whom traveled to Buffalo to be with his family in mourning,” adds the obituary.
“We share our greatest sympathies with the family and friends of the athlete and will continue to offer them our support as they go through this very difficult time. We thank the swim safety personnel and first responders who worked to provide the athlete with medical support,” stated IRONMAN organizers in a July 10, 2023 email.
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