James Alessandro

Click on the tribute wall above to view James’ video tribute. Alessandro, James, age 95, March 13, 2019 of Allen Park, Michigan. Beloved husband of the late Irene. Loving father of Kathleen (Fred Frank) Alessandro and the late John Alessandro. Also survived by is grandchildren Chase Alessandro, Vanessa (Nick) Campbell, Sarah (Clint Spaulding) Frank, Rachel Frank and Josh (Mallory) Frank; his great grandson Levi Frank; his daughter-in-law Pam Alessandro. “Jimmy” Alessandro was born in Italy in 1923. He came on a ship to America in 1930 in steerage with his mother, sisters and brother. After a short stint in the coal mining hollers of West Virginia, his family heard the “$5 a day” call from Henry Ford and moved to the “South End” of Dearborn (behind the Ford Rouge plant). He lived in a neighborhood where, within one square mile, you could hear over 40 languages. He served our country in World War II as part of the Army’s 35th Division. When asked where he served, he would reply, “Did you see Saving Private Ryan? Well, I was in the original cast.” Upon his return, he met the Irish love of his life, Irene Brown and they had two loving children, John and Kathleen. He opened up a barbershop next to Fordson High school where he held court, entertained and smoked (but never inhaled) cigars. He prided himself in learning how to say hello, goodbye and how are you in at least a dozen languages, because he always remembered how nice it was to hear someone greet you in what he called your “mother tongue”. Recent visits to his apartment would have Count Basie, Frank Sinatra, Rosemary Clooney and Ella Fitzgerald playing loudly (really loudly). Music always fueled his soul (a gift that he passed on to his son and daughter). While only having a 7th grade education, you knew better than to challenge him on geography or history. He loved to read, until his sight made that impossible, but he stored every fact he learned up until the day he died. His stories and one-liners will carry on for generations. They were stand-up quality good. Just ask his grandchildren. If you met him, you never forgot him. Those us who knew and loved him will carry his spirit forward with love and admiration. In lieu of flowers if you wish to further honor the memory of James Alessandro, a contribution furthering literacy may be made to: Everybody Ready 7445 Allen Rd. Suite 160 Allen Park, MI 48101