Thomas D'Alesandro III

Thomas D'Alesandro III was an American politician who served as the Mayor of Baltimore from 1967 to 1971. He was the son of Thomas D'Alesandro Jr., a former Mayor of Baltimore and U.S. Representative from Maryland's 3rd congressional district. D'Alesandro III was also the brother of Nancy Pelosi, the former Speaker of the United States House of Representatives. He was a member of the Democratic Party and served in various roles, including as a Baltimore City Council member and as an Assistant State's Attorney for Baltimore City.

● Early Life and Education

Thomas D'Alesandro III was born on July 29, 1929, in Baltimore, Maryland, to Thomas D'Alesandro Jr. and Anunciata D'Alesandro. He grew up in a family of politicians, with his father serving as the Mayor of Baltimore from 1947 to 1959 and his brother-in-law, Paul Pelosi, being a successful businessman and investor. D'Alesandro III attended Loyola High School in Baltimore and later graduated from Loyola University Maryland with a degree in Business Administration. He then went on to earn his law degree from the University of Baltimore School of Law, where he was a classmate of Theodore McKeldin, a former Governor of Maryland.

● Career

D'Alesandro III began his career in politics as a Baltimore City Council member, serving from 1955 to 1959. He then worked as an Assistant State's Attorney for Baltimore City from 1959 to 1962, during which time he prosecuted cases involving organized crime figures such as Meyer Lansky and Vito Genovese. In 1962, he was appointed as the Executive Secretary to the Governor of Maryland, J. Millard Tawes. D'Alesandro III also served as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates from 1963 to 1967, where he worked alongside other notable politicians, including William Donald Schaefer and Barbara Mikulski.

● Mayor of Baltimore

In 1967, D'Alesandro III was elected as the Mayor of Baltimore, succeeding Theodore McKeldin. During his tenure, he focused on urban renewal projects, including the development of the Inner Harbor and the construction of the Baltimore Convention Center. He also worked to improve the city's transportation system, including the expansion of the Baltimore Metro Subway and the construction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. D'Alesandro III was a strong supporter of the Civil Rights Movement and worked to improve relations between the city's African American community and the Baltimore Police Department. He was also a member of the United States Conference of Mayors and worked with other mayors, including John Lindsay of New York City and Richard J. Daley of Chicago.

● Personal Life

D'Alesandro III was married to Margaret D'Alesandro and had three children, including Thomas D'Alesandro IV and Helen D'Alesandro. He was a devout Catholic and attended St. Leo's Church in Baltimore. D'Alesandro III was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Elks Lodge. In his free time, he enjoyed playing golf and was a member of the Baltimore Country Club. D'Alesandro III was also a fan of the Baltimore Orioles and the Baltimore Colts.

● Legacy

Thomas D'Alesandro III passed away on October 20, 2019, at the age of 90. He is remembered as a dedicated public servant who worked tirelessly to improve the city of Baltimore. His legacy includes the development of the Inner Harbor and the construction of the Baltimore Convention Center, which have become major attractions in the city. D'Alesandro III also played a key role in improving relations between the city's African American community and the Baltimore Police Department. He was a strong supporter of the Civil Rights Movement and worked alongside other notable figures, including Martin Luther King Jr. and Thurgood Marshall. D'Alesandro III's commitment to public service has inspired future generations of politicians, including his sister, Nancy Pelosi, and his nephew, Paul Pelosi Jr.. Category:Mayors of Baltimore