Obituary of Alexander J. Bike

True Sports Enthusiast Alexander J. Bike, age 98 a lifelong Bridgeport resident, beloved husband of the late Mary Hoydic Bike, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 23, 2012 at Ludlowe Health Care Center, Fairfield. Born in Wallingford, on December 20, 1913, he was a son of the late Jacob and Mary Bike. Before his retirement Mr. Bike was a firefighter with the City of Bridgeport for over 30 years. In 1930 he played with the Harry W. Condon Legion Post team that won the State Legion Championship and then lost to Baltimore in the regionals at Charlottesville, VA in an extra innings battle. In 1940 he helped organize the Springwood Athletic Club which sponsored some of the best baseball and basketball teams in the area. Throughout his baseball career Al was an outstanding pitcher and outfielder as evident from the fact that he had a tryout with the St. Louis Cardinals. In 1950 he took up ten pin bowling and with his three brothers and two nephews annexed the Monarch Bowling League title with a team average of 850. In 1963 officials of the Pony League which was on the verge of disbandment asked the Fire Department to take over the supervision of the league. Al together with Mike Carey and Bob Kasloski volunteered their services and the league thrived under their guidance. In 1976 he was inducted into the Bridgeport Oldtimers Association. He was a loyal supporter for his son and grandson in their athletic careers. A true sports enthusiast, Al could be found attending sporting events of all types. His passion for sports was unprecedented. Survivors include two loving children, David Bike and his wife Judi of North Haven and Marilyn Torre and her husband Frank of West Haven, six cherished grandchildren, Kelly DeFrancesco and her husband Dan, Amy Bike, Corey Bike and his wife Rosalia, Keith Bike, Michael Torre and his wife Amy and Peter Torre and his wife Tina, eight great grandchildren, Maggie, Jack, Keira, Tyler, Alessandro, Madison, Katie and Becky; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by three brothers, John, Joseph and Edward Bike, two sisters, Alice Strack and Stasia Curran. Funeral Information Funeral services will take place on Friday April 27, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. directly in Our Lady of Grace Church, Stratford, for a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will follow in Mountain Grove Cemetery of Easton. Relatives and friends may call on Thursday from 4-8 p.m. in the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull. Donations Information In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Connecticut Burn Center at Bridgeport Hospital 267 Grant Street Bridgeport CT 06610.