Joseph D'Alessandro

D'Alessandro, Joseph ROTTERDAM Colonel Joseph (Joe) Anthony D'Alessandro, 82, died peacefully April 15, 2011 at home surrounded by his loving wife of 60 years, Dorothy Lee (Monte) D'Alessandro and his children. Born April 26, 1928, Joe was the son of the late Salvatore and Margaret D'Alessandro of Schenectady, New York. Joe is survived and will be missed by his children, Joseph, his wife RoseMary, Julianne, her partner Jerry, Christian, his wife Karen, Jeffrey, his wife Jean, Sally, George, his partner Johanne; his sister Patricia Goscinski; brother Anthony (Champ) D'Alessandro, and brothers-in-law, Leonard and Anthony Monte. He was grandfather to Jenelle, Jessica, Jeffrey, Justin, Christina, Jordan, Jennifer, Joseph Michael, Alicia, Joseph Anthony, Annabelle, Emelina; and great-grandfather to Justice Jeremiah. He will be missed by family and the many life-long friends that he was blessed with. Joe and Dorothy were married April 29, 1951. For 60 years they shared a love, partners, and best friends that together raised six children and made a lifetime of happy memories. Joe danced through life, always whistling with a song in his heart to share with everyone he touched. He had an amazing sense of humor to the very end. Following his graduation from Nott Terrace High School, Joe had a significant military career. Joe served for 33 years before retiring in 1982 as a Colonel in the National Guard. His hard work and dedication was recognized through numerous awards including, the New York State 30 Year Long and Faithful Service Medal, the New York State Distinguished Service Medal and the Distinguished Service and Commendation Award from the US Army. Following his military career, Joe retired from General Electric after more than 30 years working in the Large Steam Turbine Advanced Manufacturing Engineering Department. Joe was an avid bowler, golfer, and supported his sons through Rotterdam Little League. Joe was a member of the Rotterdam Knights of Columbus, a past grand knight. But of all his accomplishments, Joe is best remembered as our local Santa Claus. Rated by the Times Union 'as the five cookie' Santa, there are many children still smiling because of this special 'Santa'. A member of Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Joe shared his faith and his compassion through religious education, serving as a Lector, Eucharistic Minister and member of the choir. On April 23, 2011 calling hours will be held from 1:00 p.m.- 3:00 p.m., immediately followed by a memorial service at Victory Church, 118 Quail Street, Albany, N.Y. 12206. Staying true to his generous spirit, Joe has donated his body to the Anatomical Gift Program at Albany Medical Center. In memory of Joe, contributions may be made to his favorite charities, Community Hospice of Schenectady, 1411 Union Street, Schenectady, NY 12308 or the Alzheimer's Association, Northeastern New York Chapter, Pine West Plaza, Bldg. 4, Suite 405, Washington Avenue Ext., Albany, N. Y. 12205.