Legacy Project
Article by Archivist Br. Lawrence Stewart

July 16th

Brother Philip Carmen Alessandro, C.S.C.

Philip was born in Lorain, OH and after graduating from high school, he served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. After being discharged in 1949, he worked at General Motors and joined Holy Cross when he entered Watertown in 1952. He studied at Notre Dame, Marquette, and Gonzaga Universities. He served in several of the province schools (Archbishop Hoban in Akron, OH; Gilmour Academy in Gates Mills, OH; Central Catholic in Monroe, MI; Holy Trinity in Chicago, IL), as well as spending three years in Bangladesh missions. His devotion to youth was most evident when working at Gibault School in Terre Haute, IN and St. Charles Boys Home in Milwaukee, WI. Philip's many varied interests were evident in working in diocesan and secular institutions in Anchorage, AL; Indianapolis, IN; San Antonio, TX; Conthatoula, LA and Mishawaka, IN. In later years, he was active as a pastoral minister in parishes in San Antonio and Rocksprings, TX and also Tallmadge, OH. Philip was noted for his strong physique that he maintained throughout his life. His crushing bear hug and firm handshake were signs of the true brotherhood he felt and exercised. His motivation for students and to those he ministered was evident in his love for them and hope for their growth in Christian maturity.