Alexander Matvei Kaminsky

HOLDEN - Alexander Kaminsky, age 88, passed away on Saturday, October 18, 2025. Born in Ukraine in 1937, "Sasha" survived Operation Barbarossa in World War Two with his mother by relocating with the factories to Siberia.

Following the war, Sasha had a long career in ship engineering at the Nikolaev Shipworks until the fall of the Soviet Union. He was always an exceptional student and a true professional. He got his PhD in Mechanical Engineering and was a group leader at his company

He eventually moved out to Israel on Birthright, where he worked his way from building maintenance to owning several patents in renewable energy.

In the final part of his life, Alexander moved to America to be with his family and continued his work in renewables at Central Michigan University. He was known for his kind words, impeccable memory, and his ability to discuss anything around the table. His last chapter was spent in Holden, watching his younger grandsons grow up.

One can say that Alexander lived three lives, so disparate his lifestyles were in Soviet Union, Israel, and in the United States. He returned to his Jewish toots right before he moved to Israel and took his religious calling very seriously, which led him to live in many places connected to the Jewish history and involve wholeheartedly with his religious community.

When he moved to America, he continued his scientific pursuits while also creating deep and lasting connections with his three grandsons.

Alex was loved by everybody in any community he was a part of, and even in his last days he was loved by all the staff at Oriol Rehab.

Sasha is survived by his wife Evgenia, his son and daughter-in-law George and Nadia Kaminski, his three grandsons Alexander, Daniel, and Jacob, and his great-granddaughter Olivia.

He was buried in a small Jewish ceremony at Grove Cemetery in Holden on October 24th, 2025, attended by members of his family and synagogue and neighbors.  Arrangements are in the care of Miles Funeral Home of Holden.