The world lost a dedicated public servant and beloved family member yesterday when Thomas D'Alssandro, Jr. passed away at the age of 84. Tom D'Alesandro, Jr., was born on February 8, 1903, in Baltimore, Maryland. He graduated from Loyola College in 1926 and then moved into the field of local politics. After serving as a member of the Baltimore City Council for five years, he was elected Mayor of Baltimore in 1947, making him the first Italian American mayor of a major US city. He was known for his populist social policies, being instrumental in the desegregation of Baltimore and the establishment of a civil rights commission. He served three consecutive terms as mayor until 1959, and was later elected to the US House of Representatives, representing Maryland’s 3rd district from 1939 to 1947 and again from 1963 to 1967. Tom D’Alesandro, Jr., was survived by his five children, thirteen grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren. He will be remembered for his deep commitment to public service and long-lasting contributions to both Baltimore and the nation.