In Memory: Frank Alexander Relyea (December 5, 1972 - August 16, 2025)
08.23.2025 With a heavy heart we report the passing of Frank Alexander "Alex" Relyea. Alex was a FIDE International Arbiter who directed at the United States Chess Championships, the US Blind Chess Championship, and many FIDE norm tournaments. He was awarded US Chess Organizer of the Year and ICCF Webserver Silver Medal and recently achieved an ICCF International Master norm. Alex was incredibly generous with his time and expertise. This allowed countless chess players in Maine and beyond to play, learn, and engage with chess and the chess community. Alex was a great friend and an amazing colleague. He will be sorely missed. Our sincere condolences to Alex's family and friends.
Frank Alexander Relyea (December 5, 1972 - August 16, 2025)
Comments
Alex was the only American to win the British Correspondence Chess Association (BCCA) Championship in 2019 and 2020.
Posted by: Paul Muljadi | September 3, 2025 7:59 PM
I echo the sentiments of Rob Shore and Mike Dudley. This is a great loss for USCHESS and Maine chess. Alex had interests beyond chess as we all do, and I have no doubt he was respected by his peers everywhere.
My condolences go out to
Nita Patel on her untimely loss.
Posted by: Philip Lowell | August 26, 2025 9:43 PM
I played in many of Alex's tournaments over the years in both Maine and NH. He was a kind and gentle soul. He will be missed.
Rob
Posted by: Rob Shore | August 25, 2025 10:27 AM
The greatest lesson Alex taught me was one of humanity: that one of the greatest things we can do is bring people into and expand access to the things we love ourselves. I'll miss him greatly. I also know Maine chess is better because of him, and his legacy lives on in the way our community lives and breathes chess as a means of connection. For that, and for Alex, I'll be forever grateful.
Posted by: Michael Dudley | August 24, 2025 2:16 PM