Westporter Fred Lexow — who started in the back office, and ended up running the equities trading desk at JP Morgan’s asset management unit — died last weekend. He was 49.
He had a heart attack related to complications from a 2-year battle with recurring staph infections.
Fred Lexow
According to Bloomberg News, doctors never determined how he contracted the initial infection that attacked his internal organs. He underwent dialysis treatments 3 days a week.
Despite his work responsibilities and health problems, Fred always made time for Westport. Al DiGuido — the founder of Al’s Angels — wrote this tribute to one of his most steadfast volunteers.
Fred and his wife Nan have been members and incredible supporters of Al’s Angels for many years. Fred was always warm to all that he met. He fought courageously for many years through each medical challenge he faced.
For those of us how have had the honor of knowing him, he was a person of great character and tremendous enthusiasm for life. Even during his toughest days, he wanted to do more for our organization. Several weeks ago, he chided me for not asking him to help more with Al’s Angels.
Fred loved the NY Yankees and Giants. He was a talented chef and an avid golfer. He loved boating, and spending time with his family and friends. Beyond his extensive work with Al’s Angels, Fred was also a member of the Noroton Fire Department.
Fred was a true Angel — always willing to help whenever we called on him. He was one of the hundreds of people who would arrive early and work until late during all of our holiday meal assembly events. He worked hard despite his own physical challenges. He believed in our mission deeply.
I know that today he is surrounded by a legion of Angels in heaven.
(Memorial contributions may be directed to the Sylvie Sutton Lexow Education Fund; care of James Saraceni, Esq.; 5 Mott Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06850.)
I thank the stars that I met Fred. The short time I knew him was awesome. He always had a smile on his face, great guy.
I didn’t know Fred Lexow but I DO know and love his amazing daughter, Sylvie, and she is an absolute angel on earth! Her smile lights up a room, and her dedication to Staples Players has been a gift! I know that her father’s death will be incredibly difficult for her, but she is so strong and he would be very proud. I believe there is no better way to honor her father’s memory than to make a donation honoring Sylvie! Thanks, Dan, for including the information about the fund set up for her.
To Sylvie and Nan, This will be a tough ride that you will never, ever recover from. BUT as a widow and mother of three fatherless kids, I promise you that eventually the days will get easier. Stay messy (this is not the time to be strong), grieve hard and let the community come in and get you through these early days. Know that at some point your lives will be manageable and even joyful again.