Israel Alexander Avenius

Israel Alexander Avenius (47) of Provo, Utah died suddenly on 14 June 2026.

Alex was born in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York to Abraham Novitsky and Patricia Ann Echard. He and his twin sister, Rachel, were adopted by David Paul Avenius and Elaine Vaccaro Avenius (Webb). Alex and Rachel grew up with their older brother, David Avenius. Later to follow were other siblings Jessica, Justin, Laura, Jacob, Christian, and Catherine Avenius.

Alex was raised in New York state and attended schools in LaGrangville, Rhinebeck, and Dryden, with a year of school in Arlington, VA. He graduated from Dryden High School where he was class president.

Alex enjoyed his work as a counselor at Camp Good Days and Special Times - a residential summer camp which provides summer camping experiences for children, adults, and families whose lives have been touched by cancer and other life challenges.

At age 19, Alex served as a full time missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He spoke Italian and served in the Italy, Milan Mission for two years. He loved the people of Italy and was dedicated to helping them. When he returned home, Alex attended Utah Valley University.

In Provo, Alex was dedicated to his friends and his community. He loved getting to know people and seeing what he could do to make their lives better. Alex worked as an Italian language trainer at the Mission Training Center (MTC) and was an avid genealogist. He served with friends in the Provo City Center Temple and others weekly and considered that a valuable contribution to his family.

In 2002 Alex led a campaign to give a befriended homeless man a proper burial. The cause was written in The Daily Universe increasing awareness of the plight of the community's homeless members.

One of his true joys was being with his Provo family. His family in Provo consisted of Rebecca Meuret, James Lott, Cynthia Johnson, Bob Sarlas, and Reuben Buhler, Victoria Myers, Kone & Ethan Payne and countless other friends. He lived the best life he knew how to live. He was always serving friends in the local community and school. He often attended church at CenterPoint and the LDS ward. He regularly attended Club House through Wasatch mental health. He also often attended to the homeless and those unloved with the attitude of "there is room at the table for everyone". He was a good listener to his family and friends and loved being around them. Alex found his greatest joy in loving others and being loved in return.

Alex is preceded in death by David Paul Avenius Sr., Elaine Vaccaro Webb, Sheldon and Susan Avenius, Charlie Wine, Sheldon and Ruth Avenius, Abraham Novitsky, Patricia Eckard, John and Fenisia Vaccaro, Louis Vaccaro.

He is survived by Joan Avenius (David), Shari Avenius Wine(Charlie), April Avenius Bolet, Melodie Baxter (Ralph), Melissa Propert (Craig), David Avenius (Camille), Jessica Lee (Kris), Dani Lama/Rachel, Justin Avenius (Beth), Laura Eliason (Brent), Jacob Avenius (Camille), Christian Avenius, and Catherine Stewart (Brian), Gloria Warner (Troy), Beth Fulcher (Dennis), David Eckard, Benjamin Eckard (Angela), John Vaccaro, Pauline Kessler, Ann Marie Vaccaro, John Vaccaro Jr., Jennifer Bisgrove (Brett), Dawn Smith (Rob), Louis Vaccaro Jr., Lauren Vaccaro, many nieces and nephews, and Stella (Alex's cat).

Saturday 20 June 2026, 10am, Graveside at Provo Cemetery, 610 South State St, Provo, Ut.

11am, Celebration of Life at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 610 West 300 South, Provo,Ut Chapel.

In lieu of flowers donations would be appreciated to:

Camp Good Days and Special Times: https://campgooddays.kindful.com/

The Missionary Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: https://philanthropies.churchofjesuschrist.org/missionary