Alexander Vincent Sandusky, devoted family man, loyal friend, professional athlete and outdoor enthusiast, peacefully passed away while in the company of his family on August 11, 2020. He was six days shy of his 88th birthday. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Mary Heim, who he called “my love, my darling,” until his final days. He is also survived by his four children: Vincent (Bitsy), Michael (Robin), Stephen, and Constance (Mark); five grandchildren: Katharine, Mark, Jack, Joseph, and Michael; and one great-grandchild, Charles. “Alex,” as he was known by his friends, was born on August 17, 1932, in McKees Rocks, Pa., into a working-class family of first-generation Lithuanian immigrants. Alex showed his pluckiness early on, including the day at the age of 4 that he grabbed a stick and some twine and walked alone across Pittsburgh to fish from a bridge over the river. After a childhood of modest athletic accomplishments, Alex planned to attend Penn State and pursue a quiet teaching career but got rerouted to Clarion State Teachers College in 1950. The intimate environment of the western Pennsylvania school gave Alex a chance to continue his football career, where he eventually caught the eye of National Football League scouts. Alex was drafted in the 16th round of the NFL Draft by the Baltimore Colts and was considered a longshot to make the team. Already going steady with Mary, Alex made a conditional proposal before heading off to his first training camp: if I don’t make the team, let’s get married and I’ll find a teaching job. If I make the team, we’ll get married next offseason. As fortune would have it, Alex did make the team that year, and for many years to follow. Mary, who accepted his proposal, was a regular at every Colts home game for his illustrious 13-year football career. At 6-foot-1 and 235 pounds, Alex was one of the smallest offensive guards in the league, even at the time, and was tasked with protecting Hall of Fame quarterback Johnny Unitas and opening holes for running back Lenny Moore. Despite his relatively small frame, Sandusky earned his reputation as a stalwart blocker, earning two All-Pro nods and three Honorable Mentions, helping his team win two NFL Championships and was voted by poll of coaches and players in Sport Magazine as the Most Underrated Player in the NFL. Even while playing a position that receives little praise, Alex’s efforts did not go unnoticed by his teammates or fans. He missed only one game due to injury, and when the Colts held a fan vote for the 50th Anniversary “All-Time Colts” team, Alex received more votes than any other offensive lineman.

Away from the gridiron, Alex put family first, holding himself and his four children to the
highest standards. Playing at a time when football players didn’t earn celebrity salaries (he
made $5,000 his rookie year), Alex consistently worked offseason jobs and owned a successful
bowling business that stretched into his post-playing days. Always looking for ways to teach lessons in hard work and resourcefulness, he enjoyed reminding his children and grandchildren that “even Johnny Unitas sold paint in the offseason,” so nothing should be beneath them.
Alex and Mary raised their family in Annapolis, MD. Outside of the home, Alex was an avid
outdoors sportsman, enjoying every opportunity to hunt, fish and spend time on the water. He
found his second dream job as Director of Waterway Improvement for the Maryland
Department of Natural Resources. He spent the next 24 years building ramps and marinas that
increased access throughout Maryland’s waterways. Upon his retirement, the department
commissioned the M/V A.V. Sandusky, an 80-foot, 100-ton ice breaker that is still in use today.
Alex and Mary enjoyed retirement to the fullest, spending time with their children and
grandchildren while splitting time between Annapolis and Key West, Fla. An enthusiastic host
and friend to many, he loved having people in for fishing adventures and to show off Mary’s
exceptional cooking skills. “Food, friends and family – what else is there?” was an oft repeated
mantra.

After Hurricane Irma, he and Mary moved to Louisville in order to be closer to their daughter,
Connie. Thanks to video calls during the COVID-19 outbreak, Alex had the chance to virtually
meet his great-grandson, Charles, who was born in June.

Alex leaves behind a legacy of working hard, living right, and being completely unafraid to speak
his mind. Never quite confident in the driving abilities of his family members, he was happy to
direct them on routes they had driven many times, remind them to slow down near the speed
trap that he got caught in years ago, or plot a route better than any modern GPS. A wealth of knowledge, Alex enjoyed listening to the lives of his children and grandchildren, chewing on their stories in thoughtful silence, and then peppering them with a series of probing questions and offering advice born of his unique experiences. “Nothing comes to a sleeper but a dream” and “The man who pays has the right to refuse” were two frequent themes. Reflecting back on his life, Alex said he would like to be remembered as a person who cared most about his family and children. “My highest hope is that I set a good example.” Mission accomplished.

Services are private.

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