Mary D'Alessandro

Mary D’Alessandro (nee: Anastasi) passed away on December 26, 2023. Mary was the Founder, Artistic Director, Teacher and Choreographer of the Anastasi Dance studios in Philadelphia .  Prior to the opening of her dance studios, Mary was a member of the Civic Ballet Company.  Her many performances with the ballet company at the Academy of Music include: “The Nutcracker”, “Sleeping Beauty”, Swan Lake ”, “The Pied Piper of Hamelin” and many contemporary ballets.  Mary has also performed in the Royal Ballet Company of England ’s “ Swan Lake ” with Rudolph Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn.  In addition to her extensive ballet training, she also has studied and performed jazz and tap styles in Philadelphia and New York City .  Her many television performances include appearances on the Mike Douglas Show, and dance sketches with Carol Burnett, 10 Around Town and various TV shows for children.  Dance was the love of Mary’s life and career.

Her students have danced with the Pennsylvania Ballet, Danco-on-Danco (Philadanco), the Modern Dance Company and at the Painted Bride.  They also have performed by invitation throughout the region at a variety of other functions.

But, actually, who was Mary?

Mary was a most loving, caring, thoughtful and generous person with a sweet disposition who put everyone else’s well-being ahead of her own.  She spent a significant part of her life care-giving for both her mother, Elizabeth Anastasi and her brother, Priest Frank Anastasi. Mary is survived by her loving husband, John and her brother Lawrence Anastasi. Mary also was my wife and she gave me the blessing of her kind, gentle, loving companionship and sweet disposition. “I will miss her, John.”

Relatives and friends are invited to pay respects to the family THURSDAY January 4th 9 to 10 AM St Rita of Cascia Church 1166 S Broad St. 19146. Funeral MASS will follow viewing 10AM. Interment to follow SS Peter and Paul Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to Saint Rita’s National Shrine of Cascia Church or to the charity of your choice, each in Mary’s name.