Schellsburg, Pennsylvania - Alessandro "Alex" Laurenza, 85, of Schellsburg, Pennsylvania, passed away the afternoon of Jan. 18, 2026, at UPMC Altoona Hospital.

Alex was born July 18, 1940, in Baia E Latina, Caserta, Italy to the late Carmen and Annina (Ginocchi) Laurenza.

Alex retired from working for the YDC, but his true passion was farming and agriculture. He enjoyed gardening and canning his produce, hunting and making his own wine and sausage. Most of all, he enjoyed the time he spent with family and friends.

His longtime companion, Shirley Bowers, survives at home. Alex is also survived by his daughter, Lisa Fye (Rob) of Florida; son, Alessandro Jr. (Becky) of New Castle; grandson, Sean Alexander Fye of Tampa, Florida; and many cousins and friends.

In addition to his parents, Alex was preceded in death by his five brothers, Marco, Anthony "Tony," Tommaso "Tom," Luca and Giovanni "John" Laurenza; and two sisters, Mary Pascarella and Francesca "Francis" Bulisco.

A Blessing Service officiated by Father Aaron Kriss will take place at 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22, at Ed & Don DeCarbo Funeral Home, 941 S. Mill St. Following the service, there will be a time of visitation until 7 p.m. Entombment will be at Parkside Mausoleum.

Online condolences may be offered at decarbofh.com.