Service Details
The community is invited to celebrate Alex’s life in a memorial service that will be held on February 28, 2026, at 11:30 AM, at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory, 4600 County Line Road, Mt. Pleasant. Prior to the service, friends and family may gather for visitation from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM to share stories and memories. Interment will be private.
Memorial Suggestions
In lieu of flowers, an annual scholarship has been established through the Education Foundation of Kenosha for deserving Bradford High School band students.
Checks can be sent to the following address: Education Foundation of Kenosha, Attn: Sarah Salmon, 3600 52nd Street, Kenosha, WI 53144 or can be made online at the following link: https://educationfoundationkenosha.org/donate
It is with hearts full of love and gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of Alex Louis Sabo, age 82, on February 5, 2026.
Born on July 5, 1943, in Racine, Wisconsin, Alex lived a life filled with his love of music, the joy of travel, and the camaraderie of friendship.
Alex dedicated 33 years of his career to a countless number of musicians he helped to inspire at Bradford High School, retiring in 2005. He is remembered fondly as a distinguished educator who had extremely high standards, as well as a true desire to help his students to be the absolute best they could be, creating a lasting impact both in music and in life. The ways in which he challenged students were complimented by his sense of humor, gift of storytelling, and the twinkle in his eye that let students know just how proud he was of them. He also founded and led the Wisconsin Ambassadors of Music for 13 European tours, creating the opportunity for Wisconsin band and choral students to share their passion for music abroad.
Well known for his imposing presence and his attention to detail, Alex also found joy in the pursuit of leisure. He was an avid golfer, and he especially enjoyed time on the greens of Wisconsin, Arizona, and Hilton Head. He and Beth shared many good times with their dear friends, Tom and June Brand. Together, they explored the world and had unforgettable adventures, including a very memorable African Safari. At home, Alex enjoyed honing his love of woodworking. He spent much time renovating the lower level of their home, along with his close friend, Bob Tertel. His meticulous craftsmanship is evident throughout the space, from the custom cabinetry to the expertly designed fireplace surround.
Although he wasn’t a father, Alex’s impact on kids in every season of his life was profound. In addition to the students he reached, he greatly enjoyed the role of “Uncle Al.” He was dearly loved, admired, and respected by his many nieces and nephews, and eventually great-nieces and great-nephews. There are endless stories of the laughs he brought and the nicknames he gave. He had an amazing ability to create a meaningful relationship with each of them as he listened, asked great questions, and tapped into their strengths. Each one looked forward to time with Uncle Al, whether it was Thanksgiving Day, a music theory lesson, or an encouraging text.
Alex is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Elizabeth Sabo, who was by his side through every venture, every note played, and every memory made; sister, Sally Wridt; sisters-in-law, Margaret (Harlan) Pelischek, Stephanie (James) Moore; brothers-in-law, Jon (Joan) Rosin, David (Surjit) Rosin; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends too numerous to mention.
Alex was preceded in death by his parents, Alex and Esther (nee: Wood) Sabo; and brother-in-law, Jerry Wridt.
The community is invited to celebrate Alex’s life in a memorial service that will be held on February 28, 2026, at 11:30 AM, at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory, 4600 County Line Road, Mt. Pleasant. Prior to the service, friends and family may gather for visitation from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM to share stories and memories. Interment will be private.
As we gather to remember and reflect on the life of Alex Sabo, may we find comfort in the memories we have, the lessons we learned, the music shared, and the love and friendships that were created.
Barb (Jacoby) Schroeder says
My deepest sympathy to the Sabo family.
I was privileged to know Mr. Sabo thru my parents (Alice & Gerald Jacoby) and also being a member of the color guard in the best band in town! He was an exceptional director and teacher. May he RIP.
Roger & Verna Tweiten says
Honoring the legacy of my former colleague
Paul Heinecke says
So sorry to hear of Alex’s passing. He was a strong leader – and an “old school” band director. I enjoyed working with him during the 2000, 2004, and 2006 WI Ambassadors European Tours, and learned a lot through his hard work and unique way of relating to the students. Condolences to Beth and Alex’s extensive list of friends and associates.
Denise and Jim Carlson says
While we are deeply saddened by Al’s passing, we are so thankful for the short but wonderful friendship we enjoyed the last few years with you Beth and Al. Our love and prayers for you continue and we trust that the ” peace of God which is beyond our human understanding will be your experience in the days to follow.” (Philippians 4: 6,7). God bless you Beth and family.
Our love, Denise and Jim Carlson
Michael Defazio says
Mr. Sabo was one of a kind. A master teacher and he did more than teach. He was an inspiration, not only to his students but to the parents of his students over decades. I had the privilege of accompanying Mr. Sabo on two of the band trips. The kids admired and respected him very highly as did the adults who chaperoned the trips.
We had the privilege of having both of our boys; Joe and Jim who were students of Mr. Sabo.
The community lost a good man and a fantastic mentor, Mr. Sabo will be deeply missed.
Mike De Fazio on behalf of the De Fazio’s
David Litrenta says
Beth…please accept my deepest sympathy…words cannot describe what my heart feels…we go back since Junior high school and we had some good times, not only were classmates…we were close friends,
Ronald H Mazmanian says
Alex was in The Racine Kilties for a few years, coming over to us from The Racine Elks Band. He has a great addition to our Horn Lines and a great educator. I was a Drummer and we were just beginning our VFW National Championship run. My Sincere Condolences to his Family. God Bless him.
Sincerely,
Ronald H. Mazmanian
Al Clausen says
Alex, a legend. A most respected educator. He had a great career as God has truly blessed him. He will surely be remembered by his many students and colleagues.
Peter F. Pingitore, Sr. says
I am truly sorry to hear of Alex’s passing. He was a full of life band director who touched immeasurable lives over his career in education. He was also, just a fine person. My sincere sympathy to Beth, and the rest of his family. May God bless you all.
Ferne Cerqua says
My sincere condolences on the passing of an exceptional man. He was a teacher and mentor to my sons, Toby and Tommy, and they had wonderful experiences because of “Mr. Sabo.” My heart goes out to you, Beth, because I know what it means to lose the love of your life.
Jeff McCauley says
“One of the blessings of the gospel is the knowledge that when the curtain of death signals the end of our mortal lives, life will continue on the other side of the veil. There we will be given new opportunities. Not even death can take from us the eternal blessings promised by a loving Heavenly Father.” – Joseph B. Wirthlin
Tanya H says
Al….you will truly be missed. Thank you for sharing your expertise of music as my cooperating teacher all those years ago & inspiring so many musicians in your life. I will miss our heartfelt talks & the occasional golf afternoon followed by a beer over the years!! God bless.
Jamie Mattek says
My deepest sympathies to the family of Mr. Sabo.
While I did not have him as an instructor at Bradford, I do know that he was a very well liked and respected by students and fellow teachers.
May he rest in eternal peace.
Jamie (Meier) Mattek
Bradford class of 1984
Kyra Fedec says
Mr. and Mrs. Sabo were both great teachers. Beth, I am sending you a huge hug and prayers for peace as you go through this difficult time. All of the Fedec siblings have you in their thoughts.
Stan Nosal says
Sending my deepest sympathies; may the days ahead be kind and bring you peace.
Larry Simons says
My sincere condolences to Beth, as well as to Alex’s family, and his many friends and professional colleagues. Alex provided several generations of student musicians with rich and prideful experiences through the local and state-wide ensembles he led over many years. He was a valued colleague, mentor and inspiration to those who knew him. Alex’s legacy will live on in the fond memories he helped to create for thousands of Kenosha’s young musicians over his nearly four decades as a band director in the Kenosha schools.
He will truly be missed by a grateful community.
Alice roemer says
I’m so sorry to hear about AL. We are in Florida so I wouldn’t be able to come to the service. I don’t have your number to call you. My email address is Aaroemer@wi.rr.com..
Steve Girman says
So sorry to hear of Mr. Sabo’s passing. His spirit lives on through the thousands of former students who began a life-long love of music at BHS. Deepest sympathies to Beth.
Linda (Bashinsky) Ziesemer says
Dearest Beth,
Our sincerest sympathies to you and your family. I was a music theory student of Alex’s at Bradford in 1975-76. He had us compose a musical piece for the band as part of the class. Well, I was just looking to contact him about my composition’s premier in March with the UW Parkside Symphony and Community Orchestras! I am heart broken I wasn’t able to thank him. I will have my piece dedicated to him at the concert. Again, my family and I are so sorry for your loss…
May God comfort you.
Sally Foote says
My deepest sympathy to Beth and all of Mr Sabo’s family and friends. I was a choir student but worked with Mr Sabo for the famous Bradford Variety Shows and many choir/band concerts and also jazz ensemble dinner shows. They are all very fond memories I will never forget. He was such a talented person and touched so many lives. He will be sadly missed!
Sally Foote (Aulozzi)
Class of 1981
Barb Meteyard says
Beth:
So sorry for your loss!
Al was one of my favorites. Always enjoyed talking with him.
He will be missed.
Rita and Jay Weber says
Dear Beth,
Our deepest sympathies. You and Al had friday night dinner dates with my folks for many years. You also graciously hosted our rehearsal dinner for our wedding at your home. I Last saw Al on the golf course a few years ago and had a nice chat. So sad to hear of his passing.