John C. T. Alexander

John C.T. Alexander, devoted family man, public servant, international ambassador, proud Penn alumnus, and longtime “Voice of Franklin Field,” passed away at the age of 92 on May 16th, 2026.

Born on February 3rd, 1934, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, John was the son of the late John and Helen Alexander. Raised in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania, John quickly developed the enthusiasm, discipline, and love of community that would define his life. He graduated from Ridley Park High School before earning his business degree from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 1956. Shortly thereafter, he proudly served his country in the United States Marines during the Korean War era.

John was a true renaissance man building successful careers in banking at IVB Bank, advertising at Action Philadelphia, home construction as John Alexander Builder, and as a political appointee for Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.

He first served under Reagan as the Director of the United States Information Agency’s International Visitors Program. In that role, he oversaw programs that brought foreign leaders and professionals to the United States for cultural and professional exchanges coordinated through U.S. embassies. Then, during the Bush administration, he served as Director of the United States Department of Education’s Center for International Education.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, he was deeply engaged in his community, volunteering extensively and serving as president of the Art Goes to School organization. He was also active in grassroots politics, serving on his local school board, on his township planning commission, and later as chairman of his local Republican committee. Alongside fellow community leaders, he helped found both the Valley Forge Mountain Swim Club and Waynesborough Country Club. An energetic and visionary leader, he inspired those around him to work together in building organizations that have enriched the community for generations and continue to thrive today.

He may be most widely known as C.T. Alexander, the self-proclaimed “Voice of Franklin Field.” The former Class of 1956 President and Penn Alumni Award of Merit winner was the Public Address Announcer for all home Penn Football games in Franklin Field for 50 years from 1960 to 2009.

John was known for his warmth, loyalty, wit, and gift for conversation. Friends and colleagues admired his ability to connect with people from all walks of life. He possessed a genuine curiosity about the world and a steadfast devotion to family, friendship, service, and the University of Pennsylvania.

He is survived by his daughter, Linda Rocca; son, John C. T. Alexander (Barri); and his grandchildren, Cyrus Luciano (Keisha), Gina Luciano (Geoff), Nick Hurst (Debbie), Dan Hurst (Megan), Morgan Alexander, Lauren Swinehart (Brian), Jamie Chen (Leo), Jackson Alexander; and ten great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Susan Alexander and son-in-law, Peter Rocca.

You are invited to visit with John's family and friends from 10:00 - 11:00 AM on Friday, June 12, 2026, at Concord Liberty Presbyterian Church 256 Bethel Road, Glen Mills, PA 19342. His memorial service will follow at 11:00 AM. Interment will be private.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation at www.mcsf.org/donate or 703-549-0060.

John C.T. Alexander’s voice echoed across Franklin Field for half a century, but his true legacy lives on in the countless lives he encouraged, welcomed, mentored, and inspired. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

 Arrangements are by Matthew Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. (484-734-8100) of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. To view his online obituary and leave condolences, please visit www.griecofunerals.com.