Alexej Wynnyczuk

Troy - Alexej (Alex) Wynnyczuk died on July 20th due to complications following a stroke. He was 91.

Born in Prague, Czechoslovakia in 1924, Alex’s life was shaped by some of the 20th century’s most tumultuous events. He was a child during the economic catastrophes of the 1930’s. He endured the Nazi occupation of his homeland in WWII, and took up arms at the end of the war. During the post-war period he worked to bring democracy to his country while studying law at Charles University, but ultimately chose to flee in 1948 after the communist takeover.

He began his journey to what would be his new homeland in a refuge camp in Germany. There he was recruited by Radio Free Europe to research and report on economic activity in Eastern Europe. He worked in Munich until emigrating to America in 1955.

Landing in New York City, he connected with friends, got into a Nash Ambassador, and saw a country unlike anything he could have imagined. They ended up in California where he stayed to complete a Masters in Economics at UC Berkeley. He then returned to New York City to complete his Doctorate in Economics at Columbia University.

It was in Manhattan where he met his loving wife of 51 years, Irene. They were married in 1963 and soon moved to Troy where he was a Professor of Economics at RPI. Alex loved his students, and loved teaching, and retired as Professor Emeritus in 1990. He enjoyed a long and happy retirement reading, traveling, writing op-eds on the economy for the Times Union, and golfing with the ROB’s at the Country Club of Troy. He also enjoyed moderating discussions on the economy at the Sidney Albert Jewish Community Center in Albany.
Alex is survived by his beloved wife, Irene; his sons Peter of Reno, NV, and Gregor of Albany; sister Ljuba Liskova of Marianske Lazne, CR. He was predeceased by a brother Vladimir Wynnyczuk. He will be remembered by all who knew him for his warmth, intellect, quick wit, and generosity. No services have been planned at this time.

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