Alexander Paul “Zandy” Bicket

Alexander “Zandy” Paul Bicket 

May 17, 1956 – December 2nd, 2024

Alexander “Zandy” Paul Bicket was born, alongside his twin brother Nicholas, in Cape Town, South Africa to parents Noelle and Alexander Bicket. From his mother, a stage and radio actress, Alex inherited a love for performance, which led to his famous rendition of “I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major-General”, among other of his early theater performances. 

In his young life, he attended Bishops (The Diocesan College of Cape Town), as a boarder from the age of 6-17, where he developed his love of music and mischief. Alex was a Bishop's Boy through and through – for which we can attribute his integrity and resilience, as well as his boarding school manners. Alex carried (and imparted) those qualities with him to the United States in 1982, eventually settling in Pittsburgh. There began teaching Latin and English at Fox Chapel High School while attending law school at Duquesne University.

Alex graduated from law school in 1988, the same year he became a U.S. citizen. His impressive career included more than two decades in private practice before being elected Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in 2011 where he made history as the first South African immigrant elected to any U.S. court. His greatest passion was the law, and his decisions were marked by thoughtfulness, fairness, and a deep respect for the principles of justice. 

At home, Alex’s generous spirit came alive in ways that were impossible to miss—or to escape. An excellent cook, he loved to feed people – the more the merrier. His guests knew better than to refuse a second helping, and anyone who looked away from their plate for too long might find it mysteriously refilled. Whether grilling his famous lamb chops and chicken legs, or preparing his iconic paella (a recipe he adapted from that of his dear friend Dirk in South Africa), Alex made meals into memorable occasions.

His humor and wit were dry and playful, delivered with a glint in his eye and just enough of an edge to keep you on your toes. If he called you a "jackass" or said he was “gonna kick your ass”, it was his way of letting you know he enjoyed your company. Alex always loved making people laugh, and those lucky enough to know him will carry that humor forward in his memory. 

Music was a constant in his life. He shared this love with his brother Nicholas and later with his children, often filling the house with songs from Simon & Garfunkel, James Taylor, and Cat Stevens, or church hymns from his choirboy days. If there wasn’t music playing from the kitchen radio or from one of his children on a nearby guitar, Alex was likely whistling or humming it himself. 

Alex was many things: a judge who labored carefully and critically over his cases, a host who made everyone feel welcome, a deeply loving husband and father, and a man who brought humor and insight to every room he entered. A mentor to many, his legacy lives on in the wisdom, stories, songs, and meals he shared with so many. A true public servant in every sense, his generosity—of time, resources, wisdom, and beyond—left an indelible mark on countless lives. 

He is survived by his wife Susan, his children August and Ian, Ian’s wife Justine Cady, his new granddaughter, Artemis, his brother Nicholas and nieces Nina and Isabella in the UK; and a wide circle of friends and colleagues who will miss him deeply. 

Family and friends welcome Thursday, December 5, 2024 from 2-8 pm, WILLIAM SLATER II FUNERAL SERVICE, (412-563-2800), 1650 Greentree Rd., Scott Twp. 15220. Memorial Service will be private to the family.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to the Allegheny County Bar Foundation (ACBF),www.acbf.org/pro-bono-center, for their pro bono legal services or to Hillman Cancer Center, hillman.upmc.com/difference/supporting/make-a-gift. 

www.slaterfuneral.com