Obituary of Theodore R. D'Alessio

Dr. Theodore Roosevelt D'Alessio Educator, Loving Husband and Father, Brother, Uncle and Grandfather Dr. Theodore D'Alessio of Mendham, formerly of West Orange, NJ, passed away on Oct 17, 2014 at Christian Health Care Center in Wyckoff, NJ. Visitation will be held at Bailey Funeral Home 8 Hilltop Rd. Mendham on Tuesday Oct. 21, 2014 from 2-4 & 6-9pm. A funeral mass celebrating his life will be held at St. Joseph's Church in Mendham on Weds. at 11am. Interment will be held at Hilltop Cemetery Mendham. www.baileyfuneral.com Born in West Orange on October 21, 1924, Ted was the third youngest of 14 children of Gerard and Angelina (Picarillo) D'Alessio, Italian-Americans who emigrated from Italy to West Orange in the early 1900s. Ted lived in West Orange for 62 years before moving to Mendham. Ted served in the 82nd Airborne - Signal Corp during WWII. He attended Panzer College (now Montclair State) on the G.I. Bill earning a degree in physical education in 1951. Ted earned his Masters degree in 1956 and his Doctorate in Education 7 years later from New York University. His first teaching position was at Hilltop Elementary School in Mendham. He was later appointed principal of Hazel Avenue School in West Orange, then served as both principal and Assistant Superintendent in New Providence. Ted was elected to the West Orange Town Council in 1962, serving as Council President from 1964 to 1967. In 1967, Ted became the Superintendent of Schools in West Orange, a position he held for 17 years. During his many years in education, "Dr. D" left his mark on the lives of countless students, teachers, administrators and staff. His deep sense of compassion, commitment to those in need, mentorship, gentle nature and guidance was felt by many and will be missed by all. His love of learning and teaching stayed with him through the final days of his life. Ted loved his town of West Orange; his football playing days at Panzer College; his 43 years as a college and high school football official; and spreading his quick wit and dry humor and love of family. He loved working with children while running the West Orange Community House Day Camp. He loved playing tennis and golf in Palm Coast, Florida and tinkering around his home on Kittatinny Lake in Sussex County. But most of all, Ted loved spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren and ensuring his family knew and appreciated their Italian heritage. His hosting of the "Christmas Eve Vigil" for family and friends is legendary. Ted is survived by his loving and caring wife of 62 years, Irene (Vicendese), his 2 younger brothers Ray and Edward, 5 children - Ted and his wife Janet, Lee Ann Fera and her husband Jack, Carol Consol and her husband Tom, Lori Margiotta and her husband Gary, and Amy Ennis and her husband Mickey. His eleven grandchildren - Teddy and his wife Jaime, Ben, Claire, Lena, Mary Lee, Caroline, Ambrose, Dominick, Irene, Mick, Steven, his 54 nieces and nephews and his caring aide, Samuel Antwi. In lieu of flowers, you may make donations to Alzheimer's Society or Autism Awareness.