Alexander helped create the children's literary magazine "Cricket" and served on its editorial board. He served on the library committee of "World Book Encyclopedia" in 1974 and in the board of directors in the Friends of the International Board on Books for Young People in 1982. Alexander maintained a rigorous working schedule, awakening at 4am and working until the late afternoon, afterwards enjoying his sole meal with his wife. He adhered to this routine even when he didn't feel inspired, stating that he couldn't rely on inspiration alone. He corresponded with fans, who on occasion visited him in his home. Alexander died on May 17, 2007, of cancer, a few weeks after the death of his wife of sixty-one years. His stepdaughter, Madeleine Khalil, had predeceased both him and her mother in 1995. He was survived by his five step-grandchildren and five step-great-grandchildren. He is buried at Arlington Cemetery in Drexel Hill.