Alexander “Alex” W. Izbicki, 85, of Erie died Saturday, March 13, 2010, at his home.

Born in Erie March 29, 1924, he was a son of the late John and Mary Sabaitius Izbicki.

He attended Holy Trinity grade school and Academy High School. Alex was a World War II veteran of the Army infantry 71st artillery division that served in France, Germany, and Austria. His division was credited with firing the first shot across the Rhine River. Alex retired from Shades Auto Body Shop. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by: a brother, Anthony Izbicki; 2 sisters, Eleanor Krukowski and Helen Rutkowski Bartoszek and their spouses; and a nephew, Edwin Rutkowski.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Virginia R. Crawford Izbicki; 3 children, Marilyn Abplanalp, husband Terry, of Tennessee; John Izbicki, wife Becky, of California and Kenneth Izbicki, wife Denise of Wattsburg; 9 grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews; two sisters, Ann Wisniewski and Jane E. Kay, both of Erie.

Friends may call on Tuesday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at the A. Brugger & Sons Funeral Home LLP, 845 East 38th Street. Funeral services there on Wednesday at 9:15 a.m. with Rev. Joseph Czarkowski, pastor of Holy Rosary Church, officiating. Burial will follow in Wintergreen Gorge Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Regional Cancer Center, 2500 West 12th Street, Erie, PA 16505.