I got to know Lex in the early 2000's when he and I were part of a jazz group in residence in Manteo, NC with the U.N.C. School of the Arts summer program. He was a transcendental jazz soloist, always inspiring. A very kind, thoughtful person, too. I also learned from him about the ins and outs of gigs in NYC for trumpet heralds playing fanfares. Wow!

Lex was my cousin. I fondly remember playing with him when he was a child. So smart always. He also loved music at a very young age. He probably got the music gene from his Dad and Grandmother Goldie , a big band bass fiddler. My sympathies go to all his family and friends. A life taken way too young. RIP

I had the privilege and honor to play alongside Lex in my band several years ago. He taught me so much and made me such a better player.
My favorite “Lex Story” is; we were playing a gig, and, after a break, we come back on stage. Lex was carrying a drink with him. I asked “what kind of drink was that?” He said (in his cool vibe sort of way) Vodka and cranberry, man! We said; Walt doesn’t want us to have alcohol on stage. He replied: oh, it’s just cranberry, man!
I’ll never forget your smile, your talent, your eagerness to help a fellow musician. Rest easy.
Eternal rest grant upon him, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon him.

My thoughts and prayers are with friends and family at this very sad news. May Lex rest in peace with the beautiful music of the angels surrounding him always.

Lex was an exceptionally talented and creative trumpeter, and I was honored to work with him. His playing was consistently intriguing and never conventional. He was also a super nice guy--funny, good natured, down to earth, and unpretentious. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.

I am deeply saddened to hear this news. I met Lex at the ABC No Rio Sunday Jam Sessions. Those sessions were engaging, free, many times wild and Lex was always there. He greeted everyone with such respect and honesty. I remember many times stopping to just listen to what Lex was adding with his trumpet. His playing was full of passion and man, could he play the trumpet. His voice will be missed, but there is no doubt that he has already found someone to play and jam with.

Had the privilege of playing with Lex in the late 90's (Queens College days). Extraordinary musician. Perhaps the most musically creative Trumpet player I will ever hear. Amazing person and gentle spirit. RIP

It was shocking to hear about Lex, who left the stage much too early. He struck me as a fellow musician who got everything he could from hearing a melody and turning it over and over in his own interpretation. As a musician and person, he was consistently kind, generous of spirit and helpful. Lex will be missed.

I know Lex from my very occasional filling in on keyboard at the Friday gig, and a couple of jam sessions. Although I didn't know him as well as some others, he will always be remembered by me.
After 50+ years playing music, I can say that Lex was one of the finest musicians I've played with. It seemed to me he could play just about anything. I considered myself lucky in those moments I could keep up with Lex.
I think that more importantly, he was first a wonderful human being. Never a bad word about anyone, always friendly, easy to talk to whether chatting about jazz, or his cats.
Even in his relatively short life, I believe he made an indelible impression on his colleagues, friends, students, and any other folks fortunate enough to know him.
He will be sorely missed.

Lex was the friendliest, kindest, and hardest worker at whatever he attempted.
If someone needed help, he would be the first to volunteer his services.
To know Lex was a joy. Always with a smile, his presence lifted the aura of
any gathering.
He will be eternally missed.

Lex joined my life when our families merged. I'm proud to have known and been step-siblings with someone who was so kind and dedicated to his profession in music. He radiated that kindness and it was always enjoyable to be in his presence. We also shared the same love for cats, and it was Lex that suggested the cat toy that has become the favorite of both of my cats. I am deeply saddened that he left us so suddenly, but his memory will live on in our family and by all of those that he touched.

Knowing and playing music with Lex for the last 6 years has had a profound impact on me. I was fortunate to have played almost every Friday with Lex for the past 5 years with Richard Russo and Hyuna Park. We had developed a special bond both musically and personally that only comes from playing music together for a long time.
When I first met Lex I not only thought he was a great musician but even more important was his engaging personality, generosity, kindness dedication and deep respect for his craft. I always looked forward to him arriving at 6:00 and saying "hey man how's it goin". Then the rest of the evening I would think of ways to make him laugh (which was pretty easy).
I feel honored and very lucky to have known Lex. He made it a better world!
I will miss him very much.
Gary Fogel

Lex was my neighbor and friend for the past 7 years. He adopted his cats Giovanni and Delilah from my rescue organization (Give Me Shelter Project). Cat "papa" extraordinaire". Delilah passed away last year and I am sure he is with her now. He recently adopted Olive and now I have them both as was his wish if anything happened to him.
Thoughts of Lex make me smile. He was happy. And he was so very giving. He had an insatiable thirst for knowledge especially in the realm of healing and spirituality. He loved to teach and share information in these areas as well. I know he was an accomplished musician and enjoyed teaching music as well, but I'll leave others to talk about that as I'm not a musician.
Lex was as colorful and bright as the Hawaiian shirts he always wore. 
He will be sorely missed. Please everyone take a moment this coming Thursday, August 23rd at 12 noon and say a prayer for Lex. All of us praying at the same time will surely be heard and help Lex on his journey.

The name "Alexander" means, "Helper of Mankind" and never has anyone been more aptly named.
Lex always was eager to help anyone who needed it in any way he could.
Beloved and loving son, professional musician and music teacher, Lex was an avid student of spirituality and healing.
He was a gift to the world and is forever missed in this world, but we will be together again in the next.