Alexander Baird Struminger

Alexander Baird Struminger, 63, of Batesville, VA passed away on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his adoring family. He was born on December 2, 1961, in Portland, OR to Donald Lewis Struminger and Amy Constance Baird. Alex was a graduate of St. John's College in Annapolis, Maryland, where he cultivated a lifelong love of learning, literature, and philosophical inquiry. His professional journey led him into the field of information technology, where he worked for early dot-com start-ups as well as for UNICEF, dedicating over a decade to supporting humanitarian efforts through tech. In his later years, Alex continued his career as an IT consultant, offering his expertise to a variety of projects. Beyond his professional life, Alex devoted himself to community revitalization. For the past 11 years, he played a central role in first resurrecting the Batesville Market and then helping to revitalize the village of Batesville, Virginia, leaving a lasting impact on the town's spirit and identity. Alex was known for his deep intellect and expansive knowledge. He was often the most well-read person in any room and took great pride in his vast personal library. A passionate cook, he delighted in preparing elaborate meals for family and friends. He held legendary New Year's Eve parties for over 30 years, offering friends and family fine wines served alongside multi-course meals made with exquisite ingredients plated with artistic precision. He had a love for travel, exploring new places with curiosity and enthusiasm. Later in life, he embraced scuba diving, taking many memorable trips beneath the surface of the sea. A true lover of the arts, Alex found joy in everything from classical painting to eclectic music. He also had a hands-on, problem-solving nature, using those talents to fix and build things, and always viewing challenges as puzzles to be solved. Alex lived life with depth, warmth, and a spirit of adventure, enriching the lives of all who knew him. He is survived by his loving wife, Patricia Lyell Dougherty; his children, Maggie Riggs Dougherty, Rosemary Lyell Dougherty, Evelyn Brown, and Granger Brown; and friend and former wife, Deborah Arenstein. He is also survived by his parents, Amy Baird Middleton and Donald and Judi Struminger; his siblings, Rhonda Struminger (Gil Rosenthal), Bruce Struminger (Isabel Constable), David Struminger (Stacy Struminger), Michael Struminger (Lynn Struminger), and Cameron Middleton. Alex's large extended family includes many beloved cousins, and he was especially close to his nieces and nephew: Liam Struminger, Grace Struminger, Carmen Rosenthal Struminger, Jamila Rosenthal Struminger, and Heather Struminger. A private service to honor Alex's life was held at the family home, where we will be receiving visitors from 4-8 pm Thursday July 31st, Friday August 1st and Saturday August 2nd. An online guestbook is available at www.compassionatecremationva.com Compassionate Cremation Services of Ruckersville, VA is handling the arrangements.

Alexander Baird Struminger

December 2, 1961 - July 29, 2025