D'Alessandro Anne "Nancy" (nee Graham) August 29, 2025, age 80, Anne "Nancy" D'Alessandro (nee Graham) of Woolwich, Twp., NJ, passed away suddenly on August 29, 2025, much to the heartbreak of her loving family and countless friends. Born on May 16, 1945, in the Port Richmond neighborhood of Philadelphia, Nancy was the daughter of the late Arthur and Dorothy (nee Carsanac) Graham. She was also a loving sister to four siblings, including her youngest sister, Colleen McShane (James), and her oldest brother, Arthur Graham. She was pre-deceased by her sister, Dorothy Manna (Ralph), and her youngest brother, Kenneth Graham. As a young girl, Nancy loved playing "nun"- a role that remained in her imagination, especially after encountering a handsome man named John D'Alessandro, Sr. (more on him later). Upon graduating from John W. Hallahan Catholic Girls' High School in 1963, Nancy jumped into the Swan Memorial Fountain in Logan Circle with classmates that would remain lifelong friends. She also maintained a "sorority" of sisters with whom she shared milestones, memories, and endless laughter. After high school, Nancy worked for the law offices of Wolf, Block, Schorr, & Solis-Cohen. While she enjoyed the bustle of working in town, she'd forgo her career after catching the eye of a charming Italian boy from West Philadelphia (note the aforementioned John D'Alessandro, Sr.). They met at the wedding of Joe and Marge Petaccio: John was a groomsman, Nancy a bridesmaid. By the end of the night, they were strangers no more. They married in 1970, settling first in Camden, and then on Port Richmond's Allegheny Avenue before relocating to Washington Township, NJ, where they raised their children: Jeannie Billmann (Kevin) and John D'Alessandro, Jr. (Christine). The years that followed included family travels, building John's insurance business (Bruce H. Garlock Insurance Agency in Vineland, NJ), and celebrating each of life's moments in a way that became a Nancy trademark: board games, barbecues by the Sport Court, birthday parties, and holiday celebrations (Christmas was her favorite). An avid bowler for a time, Nancy was also a sports enthusiast, with season tickets to the Flyers when they were still the Bullies of Broad Street and cheering on her own kids in softball and baseball alike. She also loved the morning crossword and spoiling her children, Jeannie and Johnny, in the best way possible-with all her love and attention. Nancy and John enjoyed secondary homes in Ocean City, NJ, and Palm Harbor, FL, traveling to exotic locales (Monaco was a favorite trip), and their greatest pastime of all: spoiling their four beloved grandchildren: Ryan and Nicholas Billmann, and Olivia and Joseph Anthony D'Alessandro. The story of John and Nancy may have come to a close with John's passing in 2016, but her love for him knew no end. Despite the loss, she went on to fill her calendar by always catching up with friends, playing Mahjong, Bingo, and the slots at Borgata, and finding new ways to celebrate every season (including Christmas in July-another favorite). In lieu of flowers, donations in Nancy's memory may be made to the
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. In her honor, we also ask that you never pass on a great piece of cake or an invitation to fill your day with love surrounded by friends and family. Family and friends are welcome to attend her Visitation Friday, Sept. 5th, 10:00 – 11:00 A.M. at St. Clare of Assisi/St. Joseph Church, 140 Broad St., Swedesboro. Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 A.M. Condolences may be shared with the family at
www.egizifuneral.comPublished by The Philadelphia Inquirer on Sep. 3, 2025.