Services have been scheduled for Joseph P. D\u2019Alessandro, the first state attorney for Florida\u2019s 20th Judicial Circuit.<\/p>\n
A Fort Myers native who went on to serve in the office for more than three decades, D\u2019Alessandro, 86, died on Feb. 16 following a brief illness.<\/p>\n
A celebration of life will be held on March 6 at 11 a.m. at the Church of the Resurrection in Fort Myers.<\/p>\n
When the Florida Legislature created the 20th Judicial Circuit in 1969, then Gov. Claude Kirk appointed D\u2019Alessandro to serve as its first lead prosecutor.<\/p>\n
In a post on social media, State Attorney Amira Fox wrote, \u201cMr. D\u2019 was a legend in Southwest Florida and is responsible for providing a start for so many attorneys and judges practicing in our area and around the country. Southwest Florida will always remember the tremendous legacy left by Mr. D. \u2014 both within the State Attorney\u2019s Office and in our community.\u201d<\/p>\n
Along with being known as a straight shooter, a man that would play a role in so many careers of up and coming lawyers, and a logical prosecutor, D\u2019Alessandro served on the board of directors for the Housing Authority for the city of Fort Myers for 22 years.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are deeply saddened by the passing of Commissioner Joseph P. D\u2019Alessandro, a devoted public servant and cherished member of our Housing Authority family,\u201d wrote Fort Myers Housing Authority officials in a social media post. \u201cThrough his leadership on our Board of Commissioners, Joe helped guide decisions that strengthened housing opportunities and improved the lives of families throughout Fort Myers. His steady presence, thoughtful counsel, and unwavering belief in this community will leave a lasting impact for generations to come. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy lives on in the community he loved and served so faithfully.\u201d<\/p>\n
D\u2019Alessandro is survived by his wife of 58 years, Sydney Parnell D\u2019Alessandro, his sister Julie D\u2019Alessandro Woods of Baltimore, MD, his brother Peter D\u2019Alessandro (Leslie) of Fort Myers, his son Joseph D\u2019Alessandro Jr. (Cassie) and granddaughter Tara D\u2019Alessandro, of Fort Worth, Texas, his daughter Sylvia D\u2019Alessandro of St. Augustine,\u00a0 his grandson Taylor Lannen (Victoria Maroti) and great-granddaughter Naomi Lannen, all of Fort Myers, and a large, loving family of nieces, nephews, and cousins.<\/p>\n
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Housing Authority of the City of Fort Myers Future Forward Scholarship Program in his name.<\/p>\n