Celebration of life set for former state attorney Joseph P. D’Alessandro

Feb 26, 2026 By CJ HADDAD 3 min read

Services have been scheduled for Joseph P. D’Alessandro, the first state attorney for Florida’s 20th Judicial Circuit.

A Fort Myers native who went on to serve in the office for more than three decades, D’Alessandro, 86, died on Feb. 16 following a brief illness.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, March 6, at 11 a.m. at the Church of the Resurrection in Fort Myers.

When the Florida Legislature created the 20th Judicial Circuit in 1969, Gov. Claude Kirk appointed D’Alessandro to serve as its first lead prosecutor.

In a post on social media, State Attorney Amira Fox wrote, “Mr. D’ 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. — both within the State Attorney’s Office and in our community.”

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’Alessandro served on the Board of Directors for the Housing Authority for the city of Fort Myers for 22 years.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Commissioner Joseph P. D’Alessandro, a devoted public servant and cherished member of our Housing Authority family,” wrote Fort Myers Housing Authority officials in a social media post. “Through 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.”

D’Alessandro is survived by his wife of 58 years, Sydney Parnell D’Alessandro, his sister Julie D’Alessandro Woods of Baltimore, MD, his brother Peter D’Alessandro (Leslie) of Fort Myers, his son Joseph D’Alessandro Jr. (Cassie) and granddaughter Tara D’Alessandro, of Fort Worth, Texas, his daughter Sylvia D’Alessandro of St. Augustine, 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.

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.

To reach CJ HADDAD, please email cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com