Pace Setter : November 2019

In Memoriam: Dr. Alex Paley

Dr. Alexander Aiello Paley, M.D., age 33, passed away at home, surrounded by his family, on Sunday, October 27, 2019 after a 33-month journey living with Glioblastoma. He will be remembered by his family and friends for his positivity, humor, kindness, perseverance, love of the Mets and LOUD singing.

Alex was born and raised in Albany, NY, the middle child of Robert Paley and Natalie Aiello. Alex attended Albany High School where he was a member of the Cross-Country and Indoor/Outdoor track team and played the saxophone in the school’s Jazz Band. He graduated from AHS in 2004 and went on to attend the University of Miami where he majored in Aerospace Engineering and was a member of the University’s Cross-Country team.

After graduating college in 2008, Alex returned to Albany where he worked at Fleet Feet Albany and ran competitively, winning the 2013 USATF Grand Prix title in addition to other running accolades. During his post-college years in Albany, Alex started a summer running program for inner city youth, instilling in countless children the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Friends and family regularly spotted Alex out for runs in Albany, dressed only in his short running shorts.

Alex was determined to become a doctor and proudly entered medical school at SUNY Upstate Medical in 2014. During his time at SUNY Upstate, Alex balanced his schoolwork with outreach activities and community service. He volunteered regularly at a clinic that helped diabetic individuals experiencing homelessness, and formed a strong bond with his elementary school-aged reading buddy, whom he worked with throughout his years at SUNY Upstate. Alex was affectionately known by his classmates as Alex Kaley for his love of cooking and healthy eating. Alex helped to start a dinner rotation with his friends in medical school and oftentimes encouraged his friends to join him on runs.

After a brief medical leave of absence to recover from brain surgery and treatment for a brain tumor during his third year of medical school, Alex returned to medical school, and graduated in May 2019 with the intention of beginning a residency in Family Medicine at Ellis Hospital in Schenectady, NY.

                                     Jordan and his parents

Alex is survived by his loving parents, Natalie and Bob, sisters, Leah (Mat Merriman) and Jordan (Zeke Sosanya), nieces Keegan and Giuliana, and nephew Hudson. Alex also leaves behind many loving relatives and friends. Alex’s selflessness is evident even after his passing; he has donated his brain to SUNY Upstate Medical for brain cancer research. A college cross country scholarship in his honor will be established at his high school. Details to follow for anyone interested in contributing towards the scholarship fund.

                              Alex and his sisters, Jordan (left) and Leah

A church service for Alex will be held on Saturday, November 9th at 12:00pm at St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic Church located at 900 Madison Avenue, Albany, NY 12208. A celebration of Alex’s life will be held on Saturday, December 7th from 1-4PM at Martel’s Restaurant (Capital Hills Golf Course) located at 65 O’Neil Rd, Albany, NY 12208.

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