Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

John "Don" Alessi

FUNERAL HOME

O'Brien Funeral Home - South Boston

146 Dorchester Street

Boston, Massachusetts

John Alessi Obituary

Name: Visitation for John "Don" Alessi
Start: 2018-11-06T21:00:00.000Z
End: 2018-11-07T00:00:00.000Z
Location: O'Brien Funeral Home - South Boston

ALESSI John "Don", after 100 years, peacefully in his sleep, November 3, 2018. Beloved husband of the late Alice (Frasciello) Alessi. Devoted father of the late Jack Alessi. Loving son of the late John and Mary (DeFranco) Alessi. Dear brother of Domenic "Fungi" Alessi of Dorchester, Lucy Alessi Costigliola of South Boston, the late Anthony "Nino", Joseph, Dr. Frank, Bill Alessi and Frances Alessi Kelly. Also survived by 5 grandchildren, great grandchildren and generations of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Visiting hours in the O'Brien Funeral Home, 146 Dorchester St. South Boston, Tuesday from 4-7PM. Funeral Mass in Gate of Heaven Church, 615 East Fourth St. South Boston, Wednesday at 10:00AM. Interment Blue Hill Cemetery, Braintree. In lieu of flowers please make donations in "Don's" memory to the Marian Manor Nursing Home, 130 Dorchester St. South Boston, MA 02127.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Boston Herald on Nov. 4, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for John Alessi

Sponsored by O'Brien Funeral Home - South Boston.

15 Entries

Paul Saitta

September 17, 2024

My Father, Peter Saitta, played piano with Don for a long time until an accident ended his career. That´s him at the piano next to Don in this photo from the 1960´s taken at Boston´s Eliot Lounge. I grew up hearing about Don´s incredible talent as I became a guitarist myself. My Father passed away 3 days ago 3 weeks shy of his 100th birthday. He almost made it to the 100 milestone like Don! Music keeps you young I guess. Thinking of them both these past few days.

December 3, 2018

On behalf of the Foti family, my sincere sympathy to the Alessi family.
Although I never met Don, he and his family lived next door to my grandmother in Dorchester. I heard from my family all the wonderful stories of his friendship and singing. My mom who is still living at 100 told me that Don wanted my mom to sing with his trio but my grandmother would not allow her. I was also told his son Jackie, God rest his soul; sang to me when I was very young.
Nothing but great stories from my family. I am grateful my mother is still
Living to relay it to me. I am sure he is in heaven and reconnecting with all who loved him.
My grandmother was Antoinia D'Agostino and lived at 23 Howell st.
Dorchester.
Rest In Peace, Don. I wish I had met you.
Toni (Foti) McCarthy
Holbrook

November 25, 2018

Every Wednesday for 30 years, Don Alessi was at my parents home, in my living room, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., playing guitar with my Dad, Louis. Sometimes their good friend Pete Lazisky would join them. In between songs, they reminisced about their childhoods growing up in South Boston as children of Italian immigrants, talked about life in general and shared a highball or two. It was always something our family looked forward to, including my grandmother who lived with us, as we went about our normal routines. It was truly amazing to witness the sheer enjoyment of their friendship and mutual love of music. There was no denying Don's indisputable talent. He was a virtuoso guitarist, playing any genre to perfection. Ever modest about his gift, he played effortlessly. Don would often relinquish the lead to my Dad and Pete, backing them up to their delight, as they were transported, even for just a moment, into his realm. Sprinkled between songs, the conversation would drift into the luminaries of their day, including Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Diana Ross, Julie London, Von Munroe, and Frankie Lane, who often requested that Don play in their bands when they came to Boston. On any given weekend, Don appeared at Blindstrom's Night Club, the Elliot Lounge, or on WHDH-TV. He toured with Connie Francis when she brought her showcase to Vietnam to entertain the troops during the war. With very little ego, but confidence in his abilities, Don allowed the mastery of his instrument speak for itself. Don was a great musician and a great man and my family and I will always have his music and kindness to remember him by. - Bob Cassis

Don Alessi and Louis Cassis on East Broadway in front of Louis & Company circa 2000

Robert Cassis

November 25, 2018

Don Alessi's Album circa 1960 pictures at the courtyard of the Isabella Stewart Gardiner Museum in The Fenway. Great album !

Paul Yovino

November 23, 2018

November 22, 2018

My condolences to the family and friends.

Paul Yovino

November 18, 2018

My condolences to Don's grandchildren. I was just told by the great musician, Bill Winiker, that Don had passed on November 3. I understand it was only posted in the Boston Herald which has a very liimited circulation. Don and I shared an aunt , Annie DeFranco Yovino.For years I have been trying to get Don inducted into the Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame. Don and his WHDH-TV and Radio studio band , The Park Squares, were the last studio band. He was also radio and local TV personality, Jess Cain's Radio sidekick on his daily radio show.I am fortunate to have the only album Don recorded in 1960.May John Don Rest In Peace .

Andrea McDonough

November 9, 2018

To a great man !! You will be missed. I have such fond memories of watching you play and Jackie singing at family parties. You had such a talent and played with the greats , but never acted like it with your family . You were Uncle Don to us ! The best !! May you rest in peace and play your beautiful music for all to hear in heaven

Lisa Johnson

November 6, 2018

What a wonderful, talented man. My condolences to the entire Alessi family.

November 6, 2018

I'll always remember Don as one of the best human beings I've ever known.
He was an inspiration, in music and in life.
"Thank you, Don. I'll be lifting a glass in gratitude and appreciation of you!"

Andie Kurzman

November 5, 2018

A sweet and gentle man whom I had the pleasure of working with at the original WHDH-TV, Channel 5. An infectious laugh and dazzling smile, he won the hearts of all who knew him. Rest easy, Don, and know you were loved by all. Condolences to the family.

Deborah Alessi Childs

November 4, 2018

Uncle Don was such a positive and upbeat person. I remember as a kid, him watching horror movies and imitating the sounds of the monster, alien, etc. and then he would laugh. His superb auditory skills served him well in life. It allowed him to listen to a sound and then play it back on his guitar with such percission and artistry that just flowed from him. When I think of Don, I think of someone who was dedicated to his family first and then his music. He was simply a wonderful person! I will never forget him!

Dianne Pappafotopoulos

November 4, 2018

So sorry to hear this news. Don was a wonderful man who shared in many of our family events and childhood memories. Whether it was playing guitar with my dad in our home or playing at my wedding, Don always had a smile on his face and certainly entertained all. May he rest in peace.

Cliff Austin

November 4, 2018

I am so glad that on my recent trip north, my sister Lynne, Charlie, and I visited with Don. We will miss him so. And will miss, on so many occasions, listening to his unbelievable mastery of the guitar. And for such a good friend he was to our Dad, especially after our Mom passed. My condolences to all his family. Cliff, Pete Lazisky's son.

Cliff Austin

November 4, 2018

I am so glad that on my recent trip north, my sister Lynne, Charlie, and I visited with Don. I will miss him so. I will remember listening on so many occasions to his unbelievable mastery of the guitar and what a fine friend he was to my Dad, especially after our Mom passed. My condolences to all his family. Cliff, Pete Lazisky's son.

Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results