Alex Ethan Graze

September 29, 1982 - March 15, 2022

Alex Ethan Graze died in the early morning hours of March 15, 2022 at his home in Buda, TX. He was 39. His death was sudden and unexpected. His partner, Kate Hoffman, was with him when he died. Alex had health issues for several years. These issues took a serious toll on his body and quality of life. Nevertheless, he continued to work full time until the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020. Alex grew up in Dallas, TX. After receiving his high school diploma from Fairhill School in Dallas, he subsequently enrolled at the Texas Culinary Academy in Austin. There he earned a certificate in Le Cordon Bleu Patisserie and Baking and went on to work full-time in the commercial culinary field for more than 15 years. In addition to honing his skills at local institution Texas French Bread Company, he became especially skilled at preparing high-quality, high-volume meals and desserts --- first, for banquets and events at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Austin, and more recently for the hundreds of employees at Intel Corporation's Austin office facility. Cooking was a favorite pastime for him outside of work, as well. He loved to brighten the days of his many friends and of family members by frequently sharing photos of his daily culinary creations. Alex, like many other folks, struggled through the pandemic, but he remained close with his family. Although he had no children, he doted on everyone else's. He especially loved being with his two nephews and niece and watching them grow. He spoke proudly of them to all who would listen and took his role as the "fun uncle" very seriously. In mid-2021, he reconnected via social media with Kate Hoffman, a high school classmate and friend. Soon after, Kate relocated to the Austin area to be with Alex, and they became inseparable. It was a remarkable development, and everyone around Alex noticed the new joy and happiness he felt with Kate. Although their time together was cut short, it clearly was some of the best of his life. Alex, was, above all else, a good soul. He was kind, generous, and empathetic with a big heart. His sense of fun and his mischievous smile always drew people to him. He was a people person and made new friends wherever he lived and worked. Alex will be greatly missed by all who were lucky enough to know him as a friend or family member. In addition to his partner, Kate, Alex is survived by his parents, Sue Graze, of Austin, and Gregory Graze, of Dallas. He also is survived by his sister, Johanna Graze Levi and her husband, Sharon Levi, also of Buda. Alex also will be missed very much by his nephews Eli Levi, and Michael Levi, and niece Eileen Levi, as well as his extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins. In accordance with Jewish tradition, in approximately 30 days a memorial service/celebration will be held for Alex in Austin. Details will be shared once plans are finalized. Friends and family who wish to honor Alex's memory are encouraged to donate to Austin Pets Alive!, or to the charity of their choice. We invite friends and family from near and far to join us in person to remember and celebrate the loving spirit of Alex Graze. Please RSVP using this link: https://www.eventcreate.com/e/alexgraze. Also, we welcome photographs of Alex you might want to share with other friends and family. Please email photos to his sister Johanna Graze Levi at [email protected] May the memory of Alex Ethan Graze be a blessing for all who knew and loved him.