Alexandre Ling Chan

In Remembrance
October 6, 1976 – June 6, 2026

 

Alexandre Ling Chan spent his life exploring the world, cherishing family and friends, and seeking out beautiful beaches and memorable meals. Along the way, he built enduring friendships everywhere he went.

Known as Alex to most, and Didi to those who loved him first, he passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 6, 2026, weeks after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest. He was 49.

Alex was born on October 6, 1976, to Chan Leh Chi and Chan Ling Kit Wah in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the youngest of four.

He loved everything about the beach but was terrified of sharks. At the sight of any body of water much larger than a puddle, he’d first make sure there weren’t any before getting too close.

Alex came to the United States at the age of 14 for school. He lived with family friends, first in California and later in Belmar, New Jersey, always staying close to the shore. He graduated from St. Rose Catholic High School in 1995.

He attended Boston College, where he majored in Economics, minored in attendance, and always brought his unmistakable Carioca spirit. He was someone who followed the rules but knew how to bend the ones he didn’t think made much sense.

On most Sundays, he could be found leading a gaggle of classmates to Chinatown to vie for a seat at competing dim sum restaurants, making sure everyone got bao, barbecue pork, and pea shoots “because it’s food of the royals.” On special occasions, he’d order Peking duck.

Soon after graduating, Alex moved to New York and began his career at MediaVest. He subsequently built a career spanning more than two decades at IPG/Omnicom, most recently serving as Senior Group Director of Partnerships. He worked across several global brands, where colleagues recognized him for his gift for building relationships, his empathic leadership, and his extraordinary kindness.

Outside of work, Alex built strong friendships, too. He played in a volleyball league for years and loved going to the gym, where he assembled a crew. In every part of his life, he drew people in with his warmth, wry wit, and boundless sense of humor. He relished trying new restaurants, offering thoughtful opinions on what was done well and where he saw room for improvement—perhaps the result of years watching the hospitality business his family built back in Brazil.

Alex assembled a network of friendships that spanned nearly every continent. He was quick to grab a bag and board a plane to visit new places or old friends. If you were taking a trip without him, he always had a referral.

“You should call so-and-so,” he’d say.

And if you did, they would show you around, regaling you with stories of Alex and reminding you that any friend of his was already a friend of theirs. To the people who loved him, Alex’s endorsement was always enough.

He liked nice things, but he hated waste, which meant that at meals he would encourage you to clear your plate or send you home with leftovers for the next day. Somehow, he never seemed to have room in his own refrigerator.

Alex had an enormous heart and rarely had anything negative to say about anyone. He loved playing devil’s advocate and had the uncanny ability to see every situation from multiple perspectives.

He was a peacemaker, but he wasn’t afraid to offer honest feedback when it was needed. Even then, it came gently—with a cocked head, a smirk, a wink, and a light pinch of your forearm. He was always looking out for you, always encouraging you to branch out.

“Why not?” he’d ask.

Alex was predeceased by his parents, whom he loved dearly and admired for the sacrifices they made and the family they built.

He is survived by his partner of 20 years, Klitos Teklos, and a large and loving family. He leaves behind his siblings, Claudia (José Eduardo), Marcelo (Mark), and Sandra (Altino). He was the proud uncle of Beatriz, Matheus, Felipe, and Maria Eduarda.

He also leaves behind an extraordinary community of dear friends around the world, whose lives are forever richer for having known him.

And if Alex could leave us with one final piece of advice, it would probably be this:

If you ever have the chance to get on a plane and go somewhere new, take it.

Especially if it leads to a beach.

But most of all, if it brings you closer to family or old friends.

Services will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, Klitos and Alex’s siblings ask that donations be made in Alex’s memory to the Art & Acceptance Program for LGBTQ+ Youth at St. Luke in the Fields Church. The program provides a safe, welcoming community for LGBTQ+ young people through art, music, meals, fellowship, and supportive services.

Donations may be made at https://stlukeinthefields.org/give/.

Please include the following in the comments field when making your donation:  
“For Art & Acceptance, in memory of Alex Chan.”