Obituary

Louis Paul Alessandro, age 91, passed away on October 27, 2026. Though Lou stood no more than 48 inches tall, he was truly larger than life in both personality and spirit, meeting every one of life’s challenges with incredible resilience and his trademark dry, sarcastic wit.

Born at a time when there were no public accommodations or accessibility laws for little people, Lou navigated the world with a brilliant mind and a family who fiercely supported him. When he was ready to drive, his older brother Vincent (Jimmy) custom-built extensions for his car's gas and brake pedals, teaching Lou how to drive and granting him a lifelong independence. Despite his size, he was also a remarkably skilled stickball player, proudly holding his own playing in the schoolyards of Brooklyn with his brothers, Jimmy and Fred, his nephews, Vinny,Tom, Nick and his cousin Sal.

Lou's parents, Gaetano Alessandro and Adelina Parlagreco, realized at a very young age that he was intellectually gifted. He breezed through school and went on to study chemical engineering at the Pratt Institute. His exceptional intellect earned him recognition as an Atomic Scholar by the federal Atomic Energy Commission, when he was selected for one of only 117 highly competitive AEC Fellowships awarded nationwide. He went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Nuclear Engineering at Purdue University, eventually landing at Pratt & Whitney, where he was a vital part of the team that developed the groundbreaking JT8D engines for the Boeing 727.

Though his brilliant mind made him a remarkable engineer, it was his capacity for love that truly defined his character. When his first wife, Theresa Vitale, fell ill, Lou did not hesitate to leave his prestigious career at Pratt & Whitney to become her devoted, full-time caregiver. Following her heartbreaking loss, his second wife, Barbara Myers, came into his life, helping him pick up the pieces and become whole again. Lou would often marvel at how incredibly lucky he was to have experienced true love twice in his lifetime.

Lou was legendary for his quick wit. When asked "How are you?", he always reliably responded, "Short." When once questioned about the most difficult challenge he ever had to face in his life, he didn't name his complex engineering feats or navigating a world not built for him; he simply answered, "Playing basketball." He loved the simple things in life and placed family at the very core of his existence.

Lou was preceded in death by his wives, Theresa and Barbara; his loving sister Mary Assennato (and her husband Peter); his two older brothers, Vincent (and his wife Amelia) and Frederick (and his wife Helen); and his beloved nephew, Vincent Assennato.

He leaves behind a family who adored his wit, intellect, and warmth, including his stepdaughter, Debra Lawrence (and her husband Greg); his niece, Joanne Romano (and her husband Nicholas); and his nephews, Tom Alessandro (and his wife Pietrina), Gary Alessandro (and his wife Sara), John Alessandro (and his wife Rosemary), and Jerry Alessandro (and his wife Lisa). He is also survived by his Vitale family nephews from his marriage to Theresa, as well as many cherished great-nieces and great-nephews.

In accordance with Lou’s wishes, no services will be held. His family asks that you honor his memory by sharing a laugh, remembering a favorite story, or simply enjoying the company of those you love. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.