John G. Alibrandi

John G. Alibrandi, 93, a lifelong resident of Syracuse, passed away Tuesday at home after a brief illness. Mr. Alibrandi was born June 30, 1917 to Gaetano and Antonina Grasso Alibrandi, both natives of Italy. Mr. Alibrandi graduated from Eastwood High School in 1938 where he earned All-State Football Honors where he excelled in the tackle position. After working as a bricklayer in the local construction industry, and the engineering department of the New York Ordinance works in Baldwinsville, NY, Mr. Alibrandi was drafted into the US Navy and served until his honorable discharge in 1945. After World War II, Mr. Alibrandi established his own company, JGA Construction Corporation, which was incorporated in 1948 where he owned and operated it successfully alongside his brothers, James and Thomas, until his retirement in 1982. JGA Construction Corporation successfully completed several landmarks in Central New York, including the US Court House and James M. Hanley Federal Building and at Syracuse University, Link Hall Engineering College, School of Business Management and Crouse Classroom Building. Also, the Sheraton Facility in the town of Dewitt, NY along with numerous Elementary, Middle and High Schools that were built in the 1960's that are still functioning well to this day. JGA named as clients some of the largest companies in the US, including, AT & T, Chrysler Corp., Carrier Corp., and Niagara Mohawk Corp. In 1968, Engineering News Record magazine named JGA Construction Corporation one of the 400 largest construction companies in the United States. John G. Alibrandi served on a number of community and professional organizations, including the General Building Contractors - NYS Chapter of the Associated Contractors of America, the Panel of Arbitrators of the American Arbitration Association, the Building Industry Employers of New York State, the Onondaga Industrial Development Corporation, the Metropolitan Development Association, the Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce and the Syracuse Builders Exchange. Mr. Alibrandi also was the naming donor of the John G. Alibrandi, Jr. Catholic Center at Syracuse University, and the John G. Alibrandi Athletics Stadium at Christian Brothers Academy.

After his retirement, Mr. Alibrandi's activities consisted primarily of breeding and racing thoroughbred horses. Breeding and boarding activities were maintained at his and his wife's Skaneateles, NY residence and racing stables. Their Lago Vista Farms bred and trained horses frequently raced at Aqueduct, and Finger Lakes race tracks. As the season progressed, the stable continued racing in the New York Racing Association circuit at Belmont and Saratoga. John and his wife, Elsya received the 1974 "Horse of the Year Award" at Finger Lakes Race Track with a horse named, "Can't Regret", and again in 1983 with a horse named "Dr. Billy B" that also won the 1983 New York Derby.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Alibrandi is predeceased by his wife of 52 years, Elsya in 1992; son, John, Jr. in 1966 and daughter, Nina in 1994. Left to honor his memory are his sons, Dr. Thomas C. (Gabriela) Alibrandi of Dubai, UAE, Michael J. (Juli) Alibrandi of Boca Raton, FL and David B. Alibrandi of Lansdowne, Ontario; daughter, Mary Beth (Lisa) Alibrandi of Skaneateles, NY; along with several nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.



Funeral services will be conducted, Friday, 8:15 a.m. from FARONE & SON FUNERAL HOME and 9 a.m. in Blessed Sacrament Church where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Dewitt. Friends may call, Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home, 1500 Park Street, Syracuse. Donations may be made in John's memory to John G. Alibrandi Catholic Center, Syracuse University or Christian Brothers Academy.