Coping with Grief
We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. Enter your email below for our complimentary daily grief messages. Messages run for up to one year and you can stop at any time. Your email will not be used for any other purpose.
Alex George Korbakes, 45, of Penn Township, formerly of Murrysville, passed away on Saturday, February 13, 2021 in his home. He was born on August 9, 1975 in Latrobe, to George and Sandra (Frye) Korbakes of Murrysville. Alex is survived by his parents; sister, Cristin (husband Dan) Gorajczyk; nephew and niece, Keegan John and Kendal Shea Gorajczyk; an aunt, Lavon Kearney; close cousin and best friend, Patrick Kearney; and cousin, Sarah Kearney. Private arrangements including cremation entrusted to Lindsay-Jobe Funeral Home, Inc., 3343 Route 130, Harrison City, 724-744-2721. A tribute to Alex will appear on the funeral home website at www.Lindsay-JobeFuneralHome.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital by visiting www.stjude.org.
MEMORIAL TO ALEX G. KORBAKES
AUGUST 9. 1975 – FEBRUARY 13, 2021
The words Alex strived to live by:
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9b
“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, The courage to change the things I can And the wisdom to know the difference.” The AA Serenity Prayer
Who better to describe Alex’s essence than his lifelong friends who knew him best:
Alex possessed qualities that have become rare today. He is selfless, caring giving, has a heart of gold and would move heaven and earth for you if you were on his list of people he loved. I am blessed and fortunate to be on that list. You couldn’t not have a good time with Alex. Through my highest of highs and my lowest of lows he epitomized the true meaning of the word FRIEND. Alex is family to me. My brother. Brian Schlagel
They say you can’t choose your family but that’s exactly what I did with Alex. He’s been my adopted little brother for 35 years, growing from that precocious little kid into one of the few people I can truly talk to in this world. Any story that starts with “Alex and I” is bound to be a good one and I will be telling them for the rest of my life. Rest easy little brother, your friendship meant the world to me and will be sorely missed. Brian Caslow
Alex was the most caring, selfless person that I’ve ever met. He would do anything for anyone and his smile would light up the room. He was the closest thing to a brother I ever had. Until we meet again…God got a good one. Cousin and best friend, Patrick Kearney
I never knew Alex without a smile. He is a selfless soul who would give you the shirt off his back. Even during his battle, he was always concerned about everyone else. I was blessed to share times of healing with him and he had no fear…he knew what was on the other side…nothing but love. Dominique Ponko
My dear friend, I love you and miss you. You have the biggest heart, you never judge, always making others laugh. You are a best friend to so many because of your generous soul and contagious sense of humor. I have many memories from high school and from WVU. You were a big brother at WVU, always taking care of me and occasionally I of you. My heart is broken. We will all grieve for you but are all better for having you in our lives. Brigette Rivers
I still remember the day I met Alex when he sat next to me in class. I was moved due to our constant talking and laughing. That’s just how it was with him, constant talking and laughing. It was his gift. He had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone and those who were fortunate to be his friend loved him for it. Like countless others, I have many happy memories with Alex and the realization that there will be no more is breaking our hearts. He will be dearly missed. Sarah Bright Battaglia
Alex you were and are like a brother to me. There really isn’t a single childhood memory without you in it. You are an amazing person and always so giving of yourself to others. I will continue to think about you often and smile. Thank you for bringing laughter and light to all of us. Jorie Matijevich
Mr. and Mrs. Korbakes, you raised a son that everyone he ever met or had the privilege to call him friend, loved him. I can say without a doubt that Alex made me laugh harder than anyone I have ever known. He was always there for everyone. Alex was the best. I love you buddy. Brian McGinty
Alex, we love you dearly and your happy soul which made a room light up with laughter and smiles every time you walked in! Your pranks were unforgettable. You are a best friend and your spirit will live with all of us forever. With love, Curt Dupill
We had so much fun growing up in high school and at WVU. I remember everything. Even though we grew apart over the years….I love you brother. Jason Gulbranson
I don’t know what to say… my heart hurts so badly for you. He was my best friend and I love him with all my heart. I will forever be grateful for his friendship. Tell him to give my dad a hug and a kiss from me. Sonya Janette Diaz
I have hundreds of memories…I could write a book. It’s been years since we hung out on a regular basis, but no matter how much time has passed we were always brothers. One thing I know for certain, I will never forget my friend, my brother, Alex. I am who I am today because I was lucky enough to be friends with Alex Korbakes. Life now will always feel like something is missing. Johnny G.
So many great memories with Alex, the best is the sandbox talk back in grade school.
Love you Brother. Deron
As Alex’s parents, I am sure he would want us to thank his family and primary caregivers over the last 16 months and beyond. They hold a special place in our hearts.
Jim, his therapist in recovery since May 2016. He helped change Alex’s life for the better.
The nursing staff on 4AB at Westmoreland Hospital. By being so caring, they made his life better after his initial surgery and diagnosis.
The nurses and aids form Excela Health Home Care and Hospice. I don’t think we could have gotten through this without them. Tomika was his primary nurse and she could not have given better care.
Dr. Navkiranjit Gill, his oncologist. She stood at the foot of his bed a day or two after his diagnosis and promised him she would help him and not let him be in pain. She eased his distress. She was super caring and the one physician he trusted unconditionally.
Bonnie Harr, Sandy’s friend of many years who prayed for Alex daily and offered spiritual support, hope and wisdom.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Alex George Korbakes, please visit our floral store.