Alex James DeCongilio, 66, of Middletown, passed away May 7, 2025. He was born in Brooklyn before settling in Woodhaven, New York, for many years. Known as “Big Al,” he lived in Middletown with his family for the past 31 years.
Alex spent 32 years working at Cornell University, where he formed lifelong friendships, before retiring in 2020.
Alex had a passion for all things sports – football, baseball, basketball and hockey. There wasn’t a stat he didn’t know. He was a devoted Mets fan and, before the birth of his second daughter, he never missed an Opening Day at Shea Stadium – a tradition he always reminded his family of. In his younger years, Alex played softball and was a proud member of a team called the Proud Perverts.
Alex loved movies; he could retain movie lines like no one else. He would often banter with his buddy Kevin line-for-line, any movie, new or old. He loved watching old John Wayne movies and his favorite show was “Friends.”
Alex is survived by his devoted wife of 45 years, Susan Fonte DeCongilio; his children, Jennifer (Gary) Smith, Kimberly (Ivan) Padron and Alex DeCongilio Jr. (Valerie). He was a proud Papa to his 10 grandchildren, Gabriella, Christopher, Aiden, Avery, Sophia, Ryley, Dylan, Joshua, Emma and Layla; beloved brother to Linda DeCongilio Welch; and brother-in-law to Bruce (Lolia) Fonte and Samara (Mario) Masullo. He is also survived by his many nieces and nephews, Paul, Angela, Danielle, Breanna, Gina, Rosie, Lino, Bruce Jr. and Anthony and their families. Each of them held a special place in his heart and will carry his memory forward with love.
Alex was predeceased by his father, Vincent DeCongilio; mother, Sandra DeCongilio; brother Paul DeCongilio; father-in-law, Anthony Fonte; stepmother-in-law Helen O’Leary Fonte; and nephew James McNamee Jr. He was also predeceased by his beloved dogs, Coco and Lexi.
Visitation was held May 12 at the John F. Pfleger Funeral Home, Middletown.
A funeral Mass was held May 13 at The Church of Saint Catherine Laboure, Middletown.
The article originally appeared in the May 22 – 28, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
