Dr. Thomas Joseph Alessi Jr.

COLUMBIA - Dr. Thomas J. Alessi Jr. passed away September 5, 2024. He was born in Buffalo, New York on April 18, 1931, the son of Thomas J. Alessi and Laura (Savasta) Alessi. He graduated from Grover Cleveland High School before attending the University of Buffalo. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree, and returned to the University of Buffalo's School of Dentistry where he became a Doctor of Dental Surgery. Tom was commissioned a Captain in the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. There he met his future wife, Anita Abdalla, whom he married in 1959. After a year in Buffalo, the couple made their home in Columbia, where Dr. Alessi opened his dental office. He served the community out of that office on Broad River Road for 40 years.

Tom was an active member of the St. Andrews Rotary Club for 30 years and was a member of the American Dental Association. He is survived by his wife, Anita Alessi, two sons, David Alessi and Brian Alessi (Karen). He has three grandchildren, Jami Flowers (Carl), Aaron Alessi, Tony Alessi, and two great grandchildren (Callen and Casen Flowers). Tom is survived by his brother, Donald A. Alessi (Rosemary), an attorney in Buffalo. He was predeceased by his two brothers, Cyril (Esther) and Robert (Marie). He is also survived by many friends and relatives both in Columbia and Buffalo. Tom was an avid reader as well as a sports fan, following the New York Yankees, the Buffalo Bills, and the South Carolina Gamecocks.

His service will be Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at 10:00 am at Our Lady of the Hills Catholic Church, with burial in St. Peters Catholic Cemetery. The family will receive friends following the service at the church.