Anthony Alaimo Obituary

Senior U.S. District Court Judge Anthony Alaimo – credited with turning around what was at one time the nation's most dangerous and deadly prison – died Wednesday in Brunswick, Ga. Before his death at age 89 he was the subject of a biography, "The Sicilian Judge," by Vincent Coppola.

Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Dec. 30, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Anthony Alaimo

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25 Entries

SOMEONE SO SPECIAL CAN NEVER BE FORGOTTEN...GONE FROM OUR SIGHT, BUT NEVER FROM OUR HEARTS....RIP

Valenda Newell

January 13, 2017

I had the honor to work with the court family from 2001 to present. Judge Aliamo was truly my hero. He was a very honorable man,who inspired everyone around him. His compassion for justice was revealed in his everyday dealings with everyone. Judge Aliamo was a fair Judge in all of his rulings. I will be able to see him in his old court room where I still work daily in his remarkable picture on the courtroom wall! He was a true american hero, the kind of person most of us will never have the opportunity to ever meet again! I feel extremely lucky to have known him personally.

My wife and I feel honored to have had Judge Alaimo perform our wedding ceromony in 2005. We are also honored to have his book, The Sicilian Judge, autographed and his written kind words to us. I loved him and respected him greatly. As I stated, He was my hero! I will truly miss him everyday!

Donny Foster

January 8, 2010

I'm sorry to hear of your loss. After coming to Savannah in the 70's, I was accosted by several people who thought I was the Judge. After about 15 years or so, I was determined to found out the resemblance, if any. I discovered that he was to be at Federal court here in Savannah. Finally, I met him and we talked a few minutes. Being 22 years younger, and being of Sicilian extraction, I found a resemblance to my father in appearance and cultural background. I was proud to shake hands with so distinguished a person. I can now see where he blazed a trail of justice. God Bless Him for what he stood for and believed.

Carl Canicatti

January 8, 2010

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

irene petty(acts 24:15)

January 6, 2010

Stellar - simply stellar in all respects. A fine lawyer, a fine jurist, a fine husband and family man, a fine human being. We were all privileged and fortunate to have observed and learned from his example. It's certainly not hard to envision the joy of his reunion with the love of his life.

Dean Rice

January 6, 2010

As an employee of the Georgia Department Of Corrections, I witnessed firsthand the positive change that Judge Alaimo brought to the Georgia State Prison in Reidsville. His intervention in the operation of the prison improved the quality of life for the inmates and improved the working conditions for the employees. I also had the occasion to appear before him in court on numerous occasions, and I always found the Judge to be a fair man and a man of great integrity.

Fred Wilson

January 4, 2010

"My uncle's life has always been an inspiration to me and like so many of his Greatest Generation cohorts, he is an inspiration for all Americans.

Who would not be moved by his patriotism when this son of an immigrant enlisted in the US Air Force as a pilot during WWII; by his courage after his plane was shot down by the Germans and during his captivity as a POW; his indomitable passion for freedom, his own valiant escape efforts that led to Italy and eventually Switzerland and ultimately his beloved America where he studied law and became an outstanding trial lawyer and a revered and respected federal district judge in Georgia?

The Alaimo family is grateful to the late Hon. Griffin B. Bell, who fought for my uncle's nomination to the bench, the editors of The Journal of Southern Legal History, Mercer Press and Vincent Coppola, author of The Sicilian Judge because they preserved forever the heart, soul, mind, commitment, accomplishments and dedication of our Anthony A. Alaimo in tomes that will be treasured forever by the clan, especially by three of his nephews who became trial lawyers. And last, but not least, we are grateful to that great lady, our aunt Jeanne, Tony's wife and soul mate who not only encouraged him in so many ways, but, was the historian for the Alaimo family reunions over a 50 year period, and, during each reunion served us her delicious recipe of baked ham and beans. They both will be deeply missed at our future reunions, especially this first year without them.

Hon. Joseph Gerace

January 3, 2010

After the death of his close friend Lazarus, “Jesus gave way to tears.” (John 11:35)
The grief experience by families and friends in connection with death does bring tears, so we would like to extend our sympathy and condolences.

Duval Sewer

January 2, 2010

Judge Alaimo set the standard Bill Roe

william roe

January 1, 2010

Judge Alaimo is an American hero -- pure and simple. His life story is a profile in courage from start to finish -- including escaping from a Nazi prison camp to serving with unparalled distinction on the bench. He and Griffin Bell were close friends for decades and they walked the pathway of heros, in step with each other -- remarkable men. Brilliant and warm, confident, inspiring great affection in all whom they met, big-hearted, in love with their families and their country. Judge Bell passed away on January 5, 2009 and within a year, the great Anthony Alaimo has followed, leaving his legend to shine on behind him. I like to think he and Judge Bell are a constellation, two stars that shine on forever as a beacon for us all. I was lucky enough to become friends with Judge Alaimo beginning in 2004 -- I wish fortune had started that earlier, but he poured enough light on me in the five years that I knew him to make me as much of a fan as any of his legion of lifelong friends and admirers. I was so glad the Mercer Press got to publish Vince Coppola's wonderful biography of Judge Alaimo, The Sicilian Judge -- it should be a bestseller and a movie. In the minds of Judge Alaimo's army of friends, of course, it already is. Rest in Peace, Judge Alaimo, it was my privilege to have known you.

Doc Schneider

January 1, 2010

Judge Alaimo epitomized everything a man & a
lawyer should be. He fought bravely for his adopted country in WW II, zealously & ably represented his clients, served on the bench with great distinction, and was a devoted husband & father. He loved the law & was deeply committed to the principle of justice for all, no matter how humble or poor, including those who had committed heinous crimes, insisting they be treated humanely and with dignity even when imprisoned. What a fine man, what an esteemed jurist, what an incomparable life of love, honor, service and integrity! It was a great honor to serve as his law clerk in 1985-86 & a wonderful learning experience. Our heroes leave us too soon. He will be greatly missed.

Leslie J. Cardin

December 31, 2009

The Judge and his beloved Jean were neighbors first, then friends for over 40 years. They will be missed, but never forgotten.
We always have rung in the New Year with Jean's famous baked ham followed by a call to thank them for their friendship. Tomorrow we will prepare the ham and then remember them both with a prayer and the fondest of memories.
God bless the Alaimo famly.
Larry and Debbie Killgallon
Martin, John, Adam, Stewart and Ruth

December 31, 2009

This Judge was not only a fair but firm jurist, He was a superior Lawyer for his entire career.

R Malone

December 31, 2009

May the love of God bring you and your family peace at this trying time. Ps. 37:11,29.

December 31, 2009

Tony was a g ood friend and a great judge. We shall miss him but never forget him. Conley and Sylvia Ingram

December 31, 2009

I had the very good fortune of serving as a law clerk for Judge Alaimo from 1972 - 1974. He was the most remarkable human being that I have ever known, a mentor to dozens of law clerks, a true friend, and most of all a kind and gentle man whose love and devotion to the members of his "court family" were exceeded only by his love of his adopted country.

A number of former law clerks honored him recently at a reception on St. Simon's Island. Everyone's love and admiration was palpable. The tributes that we each offered were sincere expressions of gratitude for the many life lessons that he imparted to each of us. We will miss him immensely, but will carry with us the values, wisdom and humanity that characterized him for the rest of our lives. I know that all whose lives were affected by this marvelous human being join me in saying good bye and thank you for being the person that you were. Your legacy lives in each of us.

Hue Henry

Hue Henry

December 31, 2009

To the family of Judge Anthony Alaimo: I was very blessed and honored on September 18, 2009 to meet Judge Alaimo at an ice cream social. His presence, his genuine interest in our conversation, his quick wit and warm smile instantly captured my heart. After signing his book for me, I stayed up into the wee hours of the morning reading about this fascinating man whose life and career had been entertwined with mine for several years. God truly blessed him and led him to make a profound impact on our society. His physical being will be sorely missed, his legacy will live forever, and those lives he touched will be eternally grateful for having been in the presence of such a caring, public servant.

Claudia Barnes

December 31, 2009

To the family and friends of Judge Anthony Alaimo
During this time of great sorrow may you find comfort in all the memories of him and how he has touch the lives of many. (1Corinthians 1:3,4)

carmetia anderson

December 30, 2009

My grandfather (Lucian J Endicott Sr) was friends with Tony and he really admired and respected him. He will be missed.

Hamlin Endicott

December 30, 2009

I had the pleasure of working as Judge Alaimo's courtroom deputy clerk for a short time in 1979-80. He was a kind, fair man, as well as a competitive tennis player. All of the District Court employees will miss this great man.

Ray Stalvey

December 30, 2009

I nostri pensieri e le nostre preghiere sono con la famiglia Alaimo.
Atlanta, GA

December 30, 2009

December 30, 2009

December 30, 2009

The world lost a true American hero today. Judge Alaimo will never be forgotten. He was an excellent judge, and an even better human being. I feel extremely lucky to have known him personally. He will be missed.

Scott Grubman

December 30, 2009

May God bless and keep the Alaimo family in their time of grief, I feel honored to have known and worked with Senior Judge Alaimo since 1988 in Savannah and Brunswick.

He was a fine Judge and Gentleman in all his dealings with me as Court Liaison for GSA he will be missed by all who knew him.May God bless his memory.

Franklin D.R. Wesley I

December 30, 2009

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