Football | May 26, 2026

PHILADELPHIA – Penn Athletics was saddened to learn of the passing of C.T. Alexander on May 16 at the age of 92. Mr. Alexander served as the public address announcer for all Penn football games in Franklin Field for 50 years from 1960 to 2009.

Born on February 3, 1934, in Philadelphia, John was the son of the late John and Helen Alexander. Raised in Ridley Park, John quickly developed the enthusiasm, discipline, and love of community that would define his life. He graduated from Ridley Park High School before earning his business degree from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 1956. Shortly thereafter, he proudly served his country in the United States Marines during the Korean War era.

John was a true renaissance man building successful careers in banking at IVB Bank, advertising at Action Philadelphia, home construction as John Alexander Builder, and as a political appointee for Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.

He first served under Reagan as the Director of the United States Information Agency's International Visitors Program. In that role, he oversaw programs that brought foreign leaders and professionals to the United States for cultural and professional exchanges coordinated through U.S. embassies. Then, during the Bush administration, he served as Director of the United States Department of Education's Center for International Education.

He was the self-proclaimed "Voice of Franklin Field." The former Class of 1956 President and Penn Alumni Award of Merit winner was the Public Address Announcer for all home Penn Football games in Franklin Field for 50 years from 1960 to 2009.

He is survived by his daughter, Linda Rocca; son, John C. T. Alexander (Barri); and his grandchildren, Cyrus Luciano (Keisha), Gina Luciano (Geoff), Nick Hurst (Debbie), Dan Hurst (Megan), Morgan Alexander, Lauren Swinehart (Brian), Jamie Chen (Leo), Jackson Alexander; and ten great-grandchildren.

Visitation with John's family and friends is from 10:00 - 11:00 AM on Friday, June 12, 2026, at Concord Liberty Presbyterian Church 256 Bethel Road, Glen Mills, PA 19342. His memorial service will follow at 11:00 AM. Interment will be private.  

Link to Penn Today story from 2010: https://penntoday.upenn.edu/2010-09-16/features/%E2%80%98-voice-franklin-field%E2%80%99-kicks-his-final-season

Obituary: https://www.griecofunerals.com/obituaries/john-alexander