Alexander Tatum Jr.

Alexander Tatum Jr. was born to the late Iona and Alexander Tatum, Sr. on May 18, 1954 in Elizabeth New Jersey. A precocious child from the start, Alex, who was a little more than a toddler at the time, amazed onlookers while traveling on a bus with his big sister Janet by calling out and pointing at the sights around him, “Observe Janet! Observe!” Alexander received his early education in the Roselle Public School System where he showed signs of giftedness in academics, music, and sports. His effort to excel started in elementary school and continued through to his becoming a member of the Abraham Clark High School graduating class of 1972. During his high school years, Alex participated in band and orchestra as a highly proficient saxophonist. He was also a three-letter man in sports where he received recognition in baseball, basketball and football where, as a senior, he held the title of co-captain. Alex was awarded a full academic/sports scholarship to attend Bates College in Lewiston Maine where he earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology in 1976. After completing college, Alexander worked for the federal government in the Office of Personnel Management and Civilian Personnel Management until his retirement in 2011. During his career, Alexander held a number of leadership and senior level positions at the Fort Monmouth Army Installation and supervised the multi-year BRAC base closure effort at the site. Alexander was elated when both of his children followed him in their career path. Brian worked in Army Support Services and Shaneen in Human Resources and Personnel Management. In 1981, he married the former Belinda Green. To this Union, two children were born, a daughter Shaneen Nicole and a son Alexander Brian Tatum. His beloved son Alexander, his parents, Alexander Sr. and Iona, one brother Quentin, and one sister Sandra Jones predeceased Alex in death. He leaves to cherish fond memories, his daughter, Shaneen Trotman, (Alimike, of Columbia, MD), two precious granddaughters Alanna and Ava, Belinda Tatum, of Franklin Township, NJ, two sisters Janet Ward, of Roselle, NJ, Mabel Singletary (Bishop Charles) of Somerset, NJ and one brother, Gregory Tatum (Nikkii) of Parlin, NJ, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Alexander Tatum Jr.

May 18, 1954 - August 11, 2021