Submitted by: Dan Rich

Jack L. Alessandra

Oct. 1, 1926 - Nov. 16, 2004

South Bend Tribune 11/19/2004

Jack L. Alessandra, 78, of Granger, Indiana, passed away on Tuesday, November 16, 2004, in Hospice House, South Bend.

Jack was born on October 1, 1926, in Buffalo, New York, to the late Louis and Rose (Ropea) Alessandra. He moved to the area in 1977 and has lived here ever since. On July 1, 1986, he married Mary Brenner, who survives.

Jack is also survived by his four daughters, who were his pride and joy, from his previous marriage to Sara "Sally" Madonia Alexander, Angi (Jim) Healy of Kent, Ohio, Rosie (Rockne) Becker of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, Jackie (Mark) Burison of Parker, Colorado, and Lucie Owens of San Diego, California; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a sister, Carol Mullen of Montebello, California.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Jenny Stucchio and Lucille Kaleta, and his granddaughter, Natalie.

Mr. Alessandra was the Past President of the Molding Products Division of Interplastic Corporation. He was a United States Navy Veteran of WWII, where he received a Victory Medal, American Theatre Medal, Asiatic Pacific Medal and a Philippine Liberation Ribbon.

Jack was a parishioner of St. Pius X Catholic Church, Granger, Indiana, and a member of the Elks Lodge of South Bend. He loved jazz music, boating and golfing. One of his special hobbies was training and showing German Shepherds. He spent many hours with his German Shepherd, Baron, traveling and showing his champion bloodlines throughout the Eastern United States. He was an excellent cook and enjoyed cooking for family and friends, especially during the holidays. His generosity and kindness were special qualities that he brought to family and friends. During his professional career this generosity and kindness was often recognized by employees and colleagues alike. Most recently, he enjoyed spending time with his buddy, a white Westie named Noah Luigi Seth Alessandra.

Visitation will be from noon to 2 p.m. Friday, November 19, 2004, in the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend.

Following the viewing, Rev. Robert Austgen, C.S.C., will officiate at the funeral ceremony beginning at 2:30 p.m. in the Kaniewski Funeral Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637; or to the Pet Refuge, 2300 W. 6th St., Mishawaka, IN 46544.