A Life Well Painted

Alex Stankiewicz passed away at his home in Melbourne, Florida, on September 15, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of love, friendship, faith, creativity, and memories that will be treasured by all who knew him.

Alex was a long-time member of The Art Students Guild of Brevard. His skill encompassed all mediums, including oil, acrylic, pastel, gouache, and watercolor. He never felt limited by anything in art and loved experimenting with color. Mostly self- taught, he attended workshops and classes with well-known artists, always striving to be better and to better understand the process. Encouraged by his fellow artists in the Guild, he finally agreed to offer classes, which were always well attended. He was an excellent teacher. Alex saw and captured the beauty of God’s creation in his art. Early mornings, late evenings and weekends when he had time off work, you could find Alex “locating the right light” and experiencing joy painting in a variety of beautiful locations around the Melbourne area. His art won awards, changed lives, and touched the hearts of many, but all would agree that Alex was overly humble about his gifts and accomplishments. Visiting Alex’s home is an immersion into Alex’s passion – incredible portraits of family members and stunning paintings of the places Alex loved fill the house with beauty and joy – a lasting legacy of an amazing artist and human.

Alex’s deep devotion to God shaped him into the man he was. His unshakeable faith, his commitment to the Catholic Church, the sacraments, and serving God and neighbor were a gift to everyone he met. He served as a Sacristan at Ascension Catholic Church, attended bible studies, small faith groups and conferences. He was a prayer warrior, continually striving to learn more and encourage the spiritual growth of others by sharing knowledge, books, resources, and special prayers (he loved the St. Michael prayer). He gifted his Wednesday night group with his thoughts on art and religion by painting faith pictures with his words making everyone view things differently.

Alex's greatest joy was his family. He was a devoted husband of 48 years to Terry, and a loving father to Alex, Ryne, and Megan. He was a special part of the lives of his grandchildren, Haley, Anthony, Leala, Julian, Kauri, and Finley, and his great-grandchild, Lola. Being “Grampy” was perhaps one of the greatest achievements of his life. He held art classes for his two granddaughters, teaching them about the classics - and the fun stuff. One day, he created a Sistine Chapel underneath the dining room table for the girls to paint. They had a blast!

Alex, or “Czar” to those who knew him before moving to Florida in 1995, is also survived by his beloved siblings: sister Patty and husband Bob Veneziano, brother Jimmy and wife Cheryl Stankiewicz, brother Tom and wife Nancy Stankiewicz, sister Kathy and husband Fran Hughes, sister Karen Stankiewicz, sister Chrissa and husband Rod DeVore, and baby sister Mary Kay Herzog.

Alex leaves behind more than paintings and memories. He leaves behind pieces of himself in everyone who knew him. He will be deeply missed, but he will never be forgotten.

A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on October 15, 2026, at Ascension Catholic Church in Melbourne, Florida, followed by reception on site.

Rest in peace, dear Alex, and never put down your paintbrush. We take comfort in knowing that his journey does not end here, but continues in the presence of the Lord.