Thomas D’Alesandro Passes Away at 90 Due to Complications From Stroke

(Jed Kirschbaum / Baltimore Sun)

Thomas D’Alesandro was a former mayor for Baltimore City from 1967- 1971. D’Alesandro passed away in his North Baltimore home from complications of a stroke this past Sunday.

D’Alesandro was also known as “Young Tommy.” He grew up in Little Italy with his four brothers and sisters. He is the oldest brother of the U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Pelosi had this to say on his passing:

“My husband Paul and our entire family are devastated by the loss of our patriarch, my beloved brother, Thomas D’Alesandro III.

“Tommy was the finest public servant I have ever known.  His life and leadership were a tribute to the Catholic values with which we were raised: faith, family, patriotism.  He profoundly believed, as did our parents, that public service was a noble calling and that we all had a responsibility to help others.

“Tommy dedicated his life to our city.  A champion of civil rights, he worked tirelessly for all who called Baltimore home.  Tommy was a leader of dignity, compassion and extraordinary courage, whose presence radiated hope upon our city during times of struggle and conflict.

“All his life, Tommy worked on the side of the angels.  Now, he is with them.  With his commitment to his family and public service, his life has truly blessed America.

“All who were blessed to know and to love Tommy mourn with his wife Margaret, his children Thomas, Dominic, Nicholas, Patricia and Gregory, and his grandchildren whom he adored, and are praying for them at this sad time.”

D’Alesandro was the 42nd mayor of Baltimore City. His achievements included opening new schools, opening police headquarters, pushing for public housing and getting an $80 M bond issue to build more schools.

Funeral arrangments have not been announced. Our staff sends out our condolences to his family and friends.