John Joseph D'Alessandro Jr.

1934 - 2016

John Joseph D'Alessandro, Jr. 82, passed away Saturday, December 31, 2016. Beloved father and grandfather, he was devoted to his family and Catholic faith.

Mr. D'Alessandro is survived by his children, John III (Fran) of Port Washington, NY, JoAnn Calhoun (Andy), Donna O'Keefe (Bob) and Stephanie Hoffman (Brian). He is also survived by his seven beloved grandchildren, A.J. and Katey Calhoun, Conner O'Keefe, John and Juliana D'Alessandro and Ethan and Alex Hoffman and his brother, Frank D'Alessandro as well as a host of nieces and nephews around the country. John was predeceased by his cherished wife, Josephine to whom he was married for 58 years as well as his brother Fr. Benedict Joseph D'Alessandro O.F.M. and parents Angela Caruso D'Alessandro and John Joseph D'Alessandro, Sr.

John graduated from Cardinal Hayes High School in 1952 and went on to attend Manhattan College where he graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering in 1957. The very next weekend, John and Josephine were married. They began their life in New York City where they had both grown up surrounded by their extended Italian family of aunts, uncles and cousins which they adored. In 1979, after relocating several times, the family settled in Charlotte, NC.

John enjoyed a rich and rewarding professional career. He began this career with NYC Civil Engineering firm Amman & Whitney where he worked on designs for the Verrazano Narrows Bridge and the Long Island Expressway. In 1960 he began his 33 year career with IBM Corporation as a Systems Engineer in Bridgeport, CT. John served IBM in many capacities including engineering, development, product support and planning. He received many awards and recognitions during his tenure. Following his retirement in 1993 John contracted with IBM to work on several projects for the next few years.

John proudly served his country in active military duty from 1958-1959 as a Second Lieutenant in the Army Artillery at Fort Bliss, Texas and later as a Reserve Officer for 6 years at Camp Smith, NY. in the early 60's.

The Mass of Christian burial will be held Wednesday, January 4 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Parkway, Charlotte in the Daily Mass Chapel. The family will receive visitors for the hour prior. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn East Cemetery in the Garden of St. Matthew, 3700 Forest Lawn Drive, Matthews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials gifts may be made to the YMCA of Greater Charlotte - Parkinson's Program, 400 East Morehead St., Charlotte, NC 28202.

Arrangements are in the care of Heritage Funeral Home, Weddington Chapel. (704) 846-3771 An online guestbook is available at www.heritagecares.com