Judge Nicholas M. D'Alessandro

Judge Nicholas M. D’Alessandro of Roxborough Judge Nicholas M. D’Alessandro was born and raised in the Manayunk section of Philadelphia. Despite being stricken with polio at a young age and losing the use of his right arm, he achieved great success in his personal and professional life. He was a first generation American, as the son of an Italian immigrant. He attended Holy Family Grade School, Roman Catholic High School (Class of 1952) and Temple University where he joined Alpha Phi Delta Fraternity. In 1959, he graduated from Temple University School of Law and practiced law until his election as a Judge of the Municipal Court in 1977. While a practicing attorney, he served as an Assistant City Solicitor for the City of Philadelphia and was a member of the City’s Tax Review Board. In 1979, he was elected to the Court of Common Pleas where he served until his retirement in 2003, following his retention in 1989 and 1999, where he received the most “Yes” votes among the judges running for retention. During his tenure on the bench, he presided over numerous high profile matters, including the monitoring of the picket lines by NFL players at Veterans Stadium during games played by replacement players during the NFL players’ strike in 1987, as well as the dispute between the Philadelphia Eagles and the City of Philadelphia over the parties’ obligations under the lease for Veterans Stadium. He also presided over the lawsuit between the owners of the Philadelphia Zoo and the company that owned and operated the monorail concerning the safety of the monorail at the Philadelphia Zoo. Judge D’Alessandro was an active member of the Roxborogh/Manayunk community. He was involved in the following organizations: a longtime coach in the 21st Ward Junior Baseball League, founding member of the Cor Marie Knight of Columbus Council, becoming a 4th Degree Knight and was a recipient of the Knights of Columbus’ Silver Medal Award in recognition of his integrity and outstanding contribution to the judicial system and the community, a founding member of Greater Roxborough Lodge of the Order of Sons of Italy in America, a founding member of the Manayunk Club, and member of the Executive Committee of the 21st Ward Democratic Committee. In 2003, the law firm of Drinker, Biddle & Reath, LLP and C.A.S.A. honored Judge D’Alessandro for his dedication and service to the Family Court of Philadelphia. He was a proud graduate of Roman Catholic High School and served as the President of the Alumni Association and as a member of the Cahill Board of Trustees. In 1986, he helped lead the fight to keep Roman Catholic High School open when its closing had been announced by Cardinal Krol. Through his efforts and the efforts of his fellow alumni, Roman remained open and continues to flourish today. In 1964, he married Elizabeth McHenry after meeting her while vacationing in Margate, New Jersey. They had three children, Kara, Nick and Teresa. He is survived by six grandchildren, Alessandra, Bella, Lauren, Ryan, Nicholas and Isabella. There will be viewings at Koller Funeral Home, 6835 Ridge Avenue, at the corner of Livezey in Roxborough on Wednesday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. and also on Thursday morning at Koller’s from 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday 10 a.m. at Holy Family Church, Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery in West Conshohocken. Condolences may be shared at www.kollerfuneralhome.com.