Farewell to Jon Alenik

Jonathan “Jon” Alenik, of Henderson, passed away July 23, 2020, at age 63.

A well-known fixture in the LGBTQ community, Alenik was active in HRC, the LGBTQ Center, Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth, the Inspiring Children Foundation and the Clark County School District’s “Professionals & Youths Building a Commitment initiative.

Born and raised in Binghamton, NY where he graduated from Binghamton Central High School in 1974 and SUNY Binghamton University in 1978, earning a BS degree in Business Management.  In 1983, Jon began a successful 37-year banking career, first with SunTrust Bank in Florida and in 1990, moved to Las Vegas, joining Bank of America. In 1997, Jon joined the American Bankers Association as a relationship Manager where he remained for the duration of his career. Jon was well regarded and respected throughout the financial services industry.

Jon moved to Las Vegas to help raise his niece and nephew, Bianca and Trent, while their parents were opening The Pasta Shop Ristorante.

According to Trent Alenik, his Uncle Jon was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer on July 20 and passed four days later on July 23.

In a tribute to his uncle, Trent wrote, “Jon was a gay man who lived through one of the most uncertain and challenging times the gay community has ever faced…the AIDS epidemic. Hundreds of people were dying left and right from this silent virus, and no-one knew what it was in its onset. Jon personally knew over 50 men that died during the 80s and 90s. Fortunately he was spared from this horrible virus even in the midst of being a gay man in NYC during the height of the crisis.

“Jon had conversations with us about some of the challenges he faced being a gay man in society, coming out to his family, having relationships, all while staying true to himself. He said he knew from an early age he was different. Because of Uncle Jonny, I have an immense amount of respect for the gay community and have had a special level appreciation for Uncle Jon’s sensitivity, kindness, compassion, ability to connect and relate to both men and women.”

Trent also explained that his uncle was Jewish. “He was especially fond of Yiddish terms that he had picked up from his mother, aunts and grandparents over the years. His favorite show was the Nanny that ran on Nickelodeon re-runs and he absolutely loved Jewish humor.

He was always sure to put a strong emphasis on the ehhhcckkkkk sounds that are so common with Yiddish words.”

Jon was passionate about work, family, and friends. He enjoyed friendships with diverse people, engaging everyone with the same warmth, curiosity and respect. Jon felt strongly about giving back and helping those less fortunate.

Jon was preceded in death by his parents Eileen and Marvin Alenik and his brother David Alenik. Jon is survived by two siblings: Gail Alenik Peck of Williamsburg, VA and Glenn Alenik of Binghamton, NY. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Ann Keefe Alenik, nieces Bianca Alenik and Colby Peck Preston, and nephews Trenton and Clayton Alenik, all of whom he loved and adored. In addition, he is survived by his cherished Aunt Carol, several
cousins and lifelong friends. A private service will be held in Binghamton, NY,
where Jon’s ashes will be laid to rest with his beloved parents.

In lieu of flowers, Jon requested that donations be made in his memory to either of the following organizations: The LGBTQ Center, 401 South Maryland Parkway, LV NV 89101; the Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth, PO Box 20135, LV, NV 89112 or the Inspiring Children Foundation, PO Box 60953, Boulder City, NV 89006.