Phil Alessi, a celebrated baker and owner of a Tampa institution, died on Sunday, his son Phil Jr. tells News Channel 8. He was 74.
Mr. Alessi was known as the patriarch of Alessi Bakery, a Cypress Street landmark that his grandfather, Nicolo Alessi, who came to Tampa from Italy, opened in 1912.
Phil Alessi continued the family’s tradition of baking when he took over the business from his father John. He later opened a 100,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Northwest Tampa to supply wholesale products to companies nationally.
Keeping with the father-son tradition, Phil Alessi started working side-by-side with his son Phil Jr., making him the 4th generation Alessi to run the family business.
The family plans to hold a funeral at a date to be announced.