Alexander Adam Rotter, Jr. - Cremation Society of Virginia

Alexander Adam Rotter, Jr.

August 29, 1946 - April 28, 2023

St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Church

3800 Big Bethel Road

Yorktown, VA 23693

757-766-3800 |

Saturday 5/27, 11:00 am

St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Church

3800 Big Bethel Road

Yorktown, VA 23693

757-766-3800 |

Saturday 5/27, 12:00 pm

[To the tune Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da]

A final introduction of Alexander Adam Rotter Jr, 76, August 29, 1946- April 28, 2023, known as Skip, dad, and granddad. Alex was born and raised in Schenectady, New York, and is an avid fan of all sports teams from there. His parents were Alex and Isabel Rotter, whose families came from Wales, Ireland and Poland, and was their only child. In New York, Alex was called Skip, a Beatnik, and regional Folk musician as well as playing trombone in Mohonasen High School Band. He moved to the Hampton Roads area in the early 1970s after experiencing Norfolk while serving in the Army, stationed at the Little Creek Amphibius Base, School of Music during the 1960s.

Alex, and his wife Sherry, experienced faith in Jesus as part of the Jesus People Movement and Catholic Charismatic Movement in the Hampton Roads area and was a part of many fellowships throughout the area: Catholic, Baptist, Methodist and Pentecostal. Alex was also very influential and was influenced greatly by TMIY, a Catholic men’s fellowship in the last years of his life. Throughout his walk with Jesus, Alex served as a lay minister, in prison ministries, Bible studies, free clinics, homeless outreaches, hospital ministries, military outreaches, and many other roles reaching out to people; sharing the gospel of Jesus.

Alex worked various jobs from Kraft Food, Insurance, Farm Fresh and Frito Lay, but his true vocation and gift was music. He worked for Center of Music in Newport News and owned his own music store, Music Central, also in Newport News. Alex was a dedicated teacher and passionate for anything musical. He sang, played guitar, trombone and other instruments in many bands since he was a young man. He also wrote songs: from hymns and spiritual songs to love songs.

Alex is survived by his wife of 52 years, Sherry Rotter (Demarest), also from Schenectady; daughters: Anna Fleishauer and husband Rob, and Lara Miller and husband Marshall; son: Jonathan Rotter and wife Nicki; grandkids (Anna): Emylee, Isaac, Kaylee, Giuliana, and Raffaella, (Lara, granddogs): Olaf and Gunther, (Jon): Jadyn (husband Terrence), Jovee, and Noel; numerous other familial ties that he cherished from the Herrala/Ferrell’s, Dutcher’s, Roberts’, Demarest’s, Patierno’s, and Pietrosanto’s. Alex also leaves an empty seat with many friends throughout his life, through all walks of life, Alex was a true friend to too many to name. Alex, Skip, dad, granddad: lived a full life of love and mercy and will be loved and missed in his absence.

An Ecumenical Celebration of life will be held at St. Kateri, (757) 766-3800, 3800 Big Bethel Rd, Yorktown, VA 23693, May 27, 11am-1pm (Celebration of Life with Mass at noon) In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association. Cremation Society of Virginia is handling the arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed to www.vacremationsociety.com

[Ob-la-di, ob-la-da

Life goes on, brah

La, la, how the life goes on] – The Beatles

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Mike Gandrow

Jeffrey South

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St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Church

3800 Big Bethel Road

Yorktown, VA 23693

757-766-3800 | Map

Saturday 5/27, 11:00 am

St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Church

3800 Big Bethel Road

Yorktown, VA 23693

757-766-3800 | Map

Saturday 5/27, 12:00 pm

[To the tune Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da] A final introduction of Alexander Adam Rotter Jr, 76, August 29, 1946- April 28, 2023, known as Skip, dad, and granddad. Alex was born and raised in Schenectady, New York, and is an avid fan of all sports teams from there. His parents were Alex and Isabel Rotter, whose families…

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What a JOY the entire Rotter family is! Alex was a blast! He enjoyed life to the fullest and gave so much to the ministries he was involved with. The Lord is good and HE sends special people into this word who's entire life is a witness and a testimony to God's love. Alex was a true Christian who believed in the path God had set before him. Alex ran his race and he ran it well. His faith in God and Gods plan was unwavering. The laughter and joy he shared will always be remembered. You cannot hide a light shining in the a dark place and Alex brought that light to many! The blessed days shared with Alex and Sherry and the Rotter family has stayed embedded in my heart. The puppet ministry, kids ministry, street and jail ministry, music and every gathering had a profound impact on my spiritual life and growth in the Lord. Alex and Sherry were a team and such a blessing to so many. The days we shared together at Warwick Assembly of God on Harpersville Rd. will be in my heart forever. My condolences to Sherry and the entire family. Love ya! Debbie McCoy

Dear Rotter family, May the Lord's comfort and tender mercies rest on you now and in the days to come. May his presence with you be undeniable. Keeping you in prayer. With love, Bill and Bev Snyder

I'll miss you, Alex

A zealous evangelist, Alex got the men of St. Kateri Tekakwitha in Tabb, VA, to start the That Man Is You program five years ago. We have met every Saturday for breakfast, an enlightening video and discussion. We even extended our meetings to include summer sessions as the men so loved getting together and sharing our faith. We can attest to the way TMIY has touched each of us and I join the group in saying, "Thanks Alex!"

We just recontact each other 6 months ago. We used to call each other Luigi because of our love for Italian food. We worked together in the 1970s and did ministry in the hospitals, VA, and the streets of Newport News. We had some great times and memories together when we were young.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

This is Judy Smith and I was one of Alex students. I am just receiving this.... Please know that you indeed have my Condolence. I was in total shock when I saw this. Around the same time my husband and I loss our last daughter and I hadn't been on the computer very much. So that might be how I missed it. Know that your husband encouraged me to not give up on the key board when I had someone discouraging me to give up . He told me that he could see that I love it. So I kept working at it. Thank you for sharing your husband with us. He was indeed a jewel and we will indeed miss and remember him. Judy C. Smith

From Ann Horton Alex’s teaching the keyboard has given me a world of enjoyment as well as a creative outlet to enjoy and share with others. Alex was an exceptional person! He was generous with his time, expertise, and support to help all his students to excel! He was a patient man! I also looked forward to the Zoom keyboard sessions he hosted monthly with all of the students from the Organ Outlet. He will be missed, but his legacy to help others pursue their dreams be always be remembered, Alex was a joy to be with as well as an accomplished musician who shared his talent to help others enjoy the love of music. Alex!s talent to bring out the best in all his students was exceptional! He made all of his students feel special and deserved his undivided attention! And he gave that to us! 100% We appreciated his devotion to each and everyone of us! It is because of him that we share the love of music! He will be fondly remembered!

Alex was great friend, advisor, teacher. Great guy to work with. The music world won't be the same without him. Maybe he and Gordon Lightfoot can create some new folk songs. Gonna miss you.

What a beautiful tribute to a great man! Our lives will never be the same without Uncle Alex. He brought so much joy to everyone. His smile and laugh were contagious! So many of my memories of Uncle Alex include music. I can still hear him singing, playing, and teaching music. A definite highlight of his life was when he owned Music Central. He was so happy to share his love of music, but his true passion was for God and ministering to others. I will always remember my summers in VA with the family. The Rotter home was my second home and I am grateful for the love Uncle Alex showed me. We had so many deep discussions about life and God. I was honored to have him sing at my wedding. I will keep all the memories of him alive in my heart. Until we meet again Uncle Alex...I will continue to hold on to the "one thing"...I love you.

Alex was a like a second Dad to me and I could write a book about how deeply he impacted my life. I first met him when I got a job at Center of Music. I was 17, now 45. I walk in those lessons of life he gave me, to this very day, and still share stories about him with everyone. He helped me learn to teach music, do street and prison ministry, and he even paid for my initial piano tuning certification. But most of all his example of serving others and helping me walk with Jesus left the greatest impact. I am eternally indebted to him and look forward to thanking him in person again one day! Love you Alex! Daniel Achten

I played trombone with Alex when we both were in grade school in Rotterdam. The four years of high school at Mohonasen. So many memories. Thoughts and prayers to his family....

For many reasons we will always remember Alex but his gift of music is what stirs our spirit and soul the most along with his infectious laugh and kind giving and sacrificial spirit. His love for others displayed in works more than words is what drew so many to his side. He will be remembered fondly and forever. We love the Rotter family. Shalom be with you. Jeff and Becki South.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.