Alexander Joseph Haraden from St Petersburg, FL died unexpectedly on September 25th, 2026.   He was only 29 years old.   Alex graduated from Joe E. Newsome High School in Lithia, FL and served as a deputy with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.   A great example of a citizen soldier, Alex followed his father and brothers into military service.   He was a member of Bravo Company, 2^nd 124^th Infantry of the Florida National Guard.

Anyone who had even the briefest interaction with Alex would remember his wit, his infectious smile, and his ability to entertain and inform by telling a story.   These skills were part of the reason for his quick ascent from criminal justice specialist to the police academy and, ultimately, to patrol deputy—a job he loved.    While serving as a criminal justice specialist, he was awarded a gold star for saving the life of a Safe Harbor resident by jumping to his aid and performing CPR even though he had no formal training–an ultimate act of service.   Despite the apparent “tough guy” image of an infantryman and a law enforcement officer, he was truly compassionate.  He loved his friends and family and all creatures great and small.  He had the unique ability to make anyone feel welcome anywhere, and he is well known for standing up for those who couldn’t stand up for themselves.

He will be missed most by his best friends in the world, his loving wife—and fellow PCSO deputy—Melanie, his twin brother Van, and his older brother Nick.   Melanie was a perfect match for Alex, and the shenanigans of the Haraden boys (and their cronies) are part of their hometown Fishhawk Ranch legend.

Alex is survived by his wife Melanie of St Petersburg, FL.  He is also survived by his mother Pierette Trundy and her husband Mike of Seminole; his father Tim and his wife Kirsten of Hull, MA; his twin brother Van and his wife Dani of St. Petersburg, FL; and his older brother Nick, his wife Sophie, and their daughter Layla of Clover, SC.  His stepsisters Olivia and Ava Hutchinson of Hull and Caitlin (Portland, OR) and Colleen (Chicago) Trundy will also miss him dearly.  Alex was also influenced heavily while growing up by his uncle, Jay Gibert (Melinda) of Spartanburg, SC and his two grandmothers, Joanne Haraden of Hull and Ann Myrl Gibert of Woodruff, SC.   His uncles Pat Haraden (Michelle) of Norwell, MA and Chris Haraden (Marilyn) of Hanover MA were also great role models.   He also leaves behind many cousins in MA and SC as well.

Services will be held on Tuesday, October 6^th at 10:00 am at the Central Christian Church, 6161 22^nd Avenue North, St Petersburg, FL 33710.  In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to the GoFundMe account https://gofund.me/e2b1bf17d

The family would like to thank the Pinellas County Sheriff’s office for their incredible support during this difficult time.