Alec Gerald Ireland

Alec Gerald Ireland, 70, of Elmira, NY, passed away on September 7, 2025, in Boston, MA, after a long battle with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS). He died surrounded by his family.

Alec was born on May 13, 1955, the son of Gerald and Constance Ireland. He was raised in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, with his four sisters: Cindy, Lisa, Chris, and Nancy.

Alec lived a life defined by adventure and a deep love of the outdoors. As a young adult, he became an Eagle Scout, spent a year as an exchange student in Bolivia, and several summers as a canoe guide at Camp Menogyn in the Boundary Waters of Minnesota and the Northwest Territories of Canada. After graduating from the University of Minnesota, he worked as a ski patroller in Colorado and Australia. He later served as Ski Patrol Director at Arapaho Basin and Keystone Resort, where he received accolades for leading rescue efforts following the worst ski lift accident in U.S. history.

Alec enjoyed a diverse and fulfilling career. After his time as a ski patroller, he earned an MBA from The Wharton School, followed by a career in business at several companies, including Campbell’s Soup, where his team won the prestigious Dorance Award for the best performing business. In his 50s he discovered a new passion, nursing. As a nurse, he was devoted to his patients and especially valued his role as a clinical instructor of nursing students. He was awarded the DAISY for exceptional care and compassion.

Of all his adventures, none brought him more joy than his family. Alec was a loving, strong, and gentle husband, father, and grandfather. He cherished planning ski trips for his family and friends and spent hours memorizing trail maps to ensure the perfect trip–his favorites were to the Dolomites in Italy. He treasured annual vacations to Cape Cod; attending BC Hockey and Yankee games with his kids; cheering them on in their sports; teaching his sons how to trek in the wilderness; dancing with his daughters at their weddings; walking his beloved dogs; and serving as Scoutmaster and leading high adventure trips for his sons’ troop. 

A lifelong Christian, his faith was deeply important to him, and he and his wife were true partners in nurturing each other’s spiritual journeys. He was deeply grateful for the prayers of so many people during his illness.

Alec was predeceased by his parents, Gerald and Constance Ireland. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Patricia (Sodano), of Elmira, NY; four children: Patrick Ireland and Aidan Ireland, both of Elmira, NY; Maria Ireland Creamer and her husband Andrew Creamer of Needham, MA; Caroline Ireland Case and her husband Thomas Case of Boston, MA; and one granddaughter. He also is survived by his four sisters: Cynthia Ireland, Elisabeth Rogowski, Christine Lund, and Nancy Ireland, all of Colorado.

Alec was a passionate advocate for MDS research and bone marrow donation and had looked forward to participating in the Move for MDS Walk this October in Boston. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the MDS Foundation: https://secure.qgiv.com/event/25moveformdsboston/team/996032 or NMDP (formerly known as Be the Match): https://giving.nmdp.org/campaign/639075/donate. 

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 10, at Eaton Funeral Home (1351 Highland Ave, Needham, MA 02492). A Requiem Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 11, at Mary Immaculate of Lourdes (270 Elliot St, Newton, MA 02464). Burial and a reception will follow the Mass.

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