Alexander C. Elin

August 11, 1940 – August 12, 2025

Alexander Claude Elin, better known as Alex or “Butch,” 85, of Stoughton, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on August 12, 2025. He was born on August 11, 1940 in Rochester, Indiana to the late Seymour and Joesphine Elin. He graduated from Rochester High School before attending Indiana University, and he then transferred to Berklee College of Music in Boston, which is where he became a lifelong professor of music. He married his wife Sandra (Sandy) on August 23, 1966, and they spent 53 wonderful years together. Alex was a master jazz musician of both tenor saxophone and piano, and he played with the likes of Dizzy Gillespie and Gladys Knight and the Pips. He was the lead of a popular band within the Boston jazz community called the Alex Elin Quartet, and he performed for many years at the Acton Jazz Cafe. Alex was an equally talented watercolor artist, and was a respected member of the Rockport Art Association. He excelled at golf, and was a member and course champion at Putterham Meadows Golf Club in Brookline, Massachusetts. Alex had a great sense of humor, and he enjoyed making his famous “Grampy Sauce” and mac n’ cheese for family gatherings. He was predeceased by his wife, Sandra (Litvin), in 2019, as well as by his parents and sister, Diane. He is survived by his loving family, including his children Seth Elin (Rose) of Needham, Massachusetts and Sarah Johnson (Paul) of Stoughton, Massachusetts; grandchildren Zachary and Adam Elin, and Joel and Avery Johnson; and nieces and nephews. Funeral services and burial will take place on Sunday, August 24, 2025 at 1:00pm at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham Street in Sharon, Massachusetts. Shiva to follow at Seth and Rose Elin’s home. Memorial donations can be made to the American Heart Association.