Wow ! Very sad news - Disappointing he was recognised more for his string collection than his massive contribution to freshwater aquaria.
Although not a public figure (He never liked to do interviews) Axlerod was THE biggest and most Influential name in the hobby. He was responsible for the commercializsation of many of the species we see today and bringing the hobby to so many people. He had quite the life, from a Phd In mathematics, a $70 million dollars publishing empire, dodgy violin collection and a short sentence for tax evasion, he will be missed.
RIP.