Domenic D'Alessandro, Milford Selectman, Dies at 93

Editor's Note: the following obituary is from Edwards Memorial Funeral Home:

Mr. Domenic E. D’Alessandro, 93, of Milford MA, died early Monday morning (October 1, 2012) at Compass Assisted Living at Golden Pond in Hopkinton MA. He previously had been a resident of Milford for over sixty years.

Domenic was born in Hopedale MA on the corner of Freedom and Maple Streets. Domenic was the son of the late Antonio and the late Mary (Pomponio) D’Alessandro, who came to the United States from Italy. He grew up in Hopedale and graduated from Hopedale High School, Class of 1937.

Domenic worked in the Herman Shoe Factory in Millis, the Porter Shoe Factory in Milford and Draper Corporation in Hopedale. After attending Worcester Industrial Technical School and Northeastern University, he began employment as a design draftsman at Telechron in Ashland MA, which later became Timex and General Electric, where he worked for thirty-one years.

Domenic married the former Helen Haynes on November 29, 1941 and returned from a wedding trip to New York  City on December 7, 1941 to hear of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Domenic served in World War II along with his four brothers. He received training at Fort Dix NJ, Texas and Colorado Springs before being sent overseas where he was a surgical technician in New Britain and New Guinea with the 251st Station Hospital. He earned the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Ribbon, a bronze service star from the New Guinea Campaign and a bronze service star from the Bismarck Archipelago campaign. He was a member of the VFW Post #1544.

Upon returning from the service, Domenic settled in Milford where he served as an elected public official and civic volunteer for many years. He was a town meeting member for forty-four years, finance committee member for twelve years, during which time he served as secretary and chairman of that committee. This was followed by three years as Selectman. He was always remembered for his strong convictions. He spoke out against the use of the pesticide DDT long before this danger became a national issue and its use being banned by the federal government. His convictions on the issue of the pesticide DDT earned him the nickname of the "Birdman".

Domenic also served as a Silver Haired Legislator, and he was a member of the Council on Aging and the Fino Field Athletics Committee. Domenic was also active in Cub Scouts; Pack 33 and Scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts Troop #32. He was active in his church (Sacred Heart of Jesus) as a member of the Parish Council; the Finance Committee; the Pre-Cana Marriage Panel; Family Life Committee and the Ecumenical Council. 

Later in his political career, he was appointed by the Selectmen to form a committee to recommend new uses for idle buildings. This led to the work that resulted in the restoration of Memorial hall. His work on the restoration of Memorial Hall was one of Domenic’s most satisfying accomplishments. The theatre at Memorial Hall is dedicated to Domenic. He also served on the Waste Study Committee, the Town Government Study Committee and the Milford Athletic Council.

In his retirement, Domenic worked as a substitute teacher at Blackstone Valley Regional Technical High School in Upton and also became an avid golfer. He was a charter member of the Missile Golf League at Hopedale Country Club. He prided himself in always walking the course. He also enjoyed gardening, especially raising roses and lilies. He and his wife Helen enjoyed travels to Florida, Arizona and Ireland, where they visited with friends and relatives. Domenic also volunteered transportation to those needing a ride to medical appointments, grocery stores, the Senior Center and other places in the community.

Domenic was pre-deceased by his wife of sixty-five years, Helen L.(Haynes) D’Alessandro, his parents and his brothers, Antonio, Frank, Henry and Louis. A brother, Domenic, and a sister, Mary, died prior to his birth. He is survived by his children: Dorothy D’Alessandro of Waterville ME; Robert and his wife Kathy (Trotta) D’Alessandro of Milford MA; Atty. David and his wife Karen (Calitri) D’Alessandro of Springfield VA and Anne and her husband Norman Smith of Milford MA. He is also survived by 4 Grandchildren: Derek and his wife Jennifer D’Alessandro of Longmont CO, Emily and her husband Michael Miller of Baltimore MD, Rachel Smith of Durham NC and David Smith of Milford MA; 1 Great Grandson: Nicholas Miller of Baltimore MD; his Sister: Virginia Stoddard of Milford MA; his Sisters-in-law: Dorothy Noyes of Wareham MA, Gladys D’Alessandro and Jane D’Alessandro of Milford MA, Helen (Sue) D’Alessandro of Medway MA and many nieces and nephews.

His funeral, with Military Honors, will be held Friday (October 5th) at 9am from the Edwards Memorial Funeral Home, 44 Congress Street, Milford MA followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10am in the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church (Upper Church), 7 East Main Street, Milford MA. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Milford MA. Visiting hours will be Thursday (October 4) from 4PM-7PM. 

Memorial donations may be made to The Compassionate Companion End of Life Program, c/o 14 Prospect Street, Milford MA 01757 or to the charity of one’s choice. Messages of condolence may be sent to the D’Alessandro family in care of Mrs. Anne Smith, 20 Rosenfeld Avenue, Milford MA 01757.