Michael J. Alessi

Michael J. Alessi

Michael J. Alessi, age 90, of Erie, died Thursday, August 23, 2012 at the VA Medical Center after an extended illness. He was born August 11, 1922 in Erie, a son of the late Carmen and Philomena Catalano Alessi.

He served as a Gunner's Mate in the United States Navy during World War II. He worked at GE and was a barber for 41 years. He owned and operated Alessi's Barber Shop located in the Train Depot; where the legacy of his barber shop remains intact today.

Michael was a member of Blessed Sacrament RC Church, Pulaski Club, Zukor Club, Sunflower Club, Trinity Club, and a life member of the Seinbenbureger Club. He loved dancing, cooking for his family, and was an avid card player.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Irene Rutkowski Alessi in 1996, six brothers, James, Russell, Angelo, Joseph, August and Charles, and three sisters, Loretta, Jennie and Sarah.

He is survived by one son, Michael C. Alessi; one daughter, Judy McGraw and husband Don; one granddaughter, Jennifer Ameno Martin and husband Paul and a great-granddaughter, Eden Irene Martin all of Erie. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call at the John R. Orlando Funeral Home, Inc., 2122 Raspberry Street, on Monday from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. and may attend a Funeral Service there on Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at Blessed Sacrament RC Church, 1626 West 26th Street, at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the VA Medical Center, 135 East 38th Street, Erie, PA 16504.