Jo-Ann G. Alessandrini

PLYMOUTH --- Jo-Ann Gould Alessandrini passed away peacefully on December 31, 2024 at Golden View Assisted Living in Meredith, NH. She was born on September 21, 1952 in Plymouth, NH, to parents Charles A. Gould and Meda P. Gould. She was predeceased by her older sisters Helen and Betty, and younger brother Charles, Jr. She is survived by her younger brother Jon J. Gould and wife Rebecca (Harrington), also by her husband of 53 years, Bernardino L. Alessandrini of Center Barnstead, NH and Tampa, FL, her daughter Katherine A. Alessandrini of Wheelock, VT, her son Michael G. Alessandrini and wife Paige Lorenz of Center Barnstead, NH, and grandchildren Benjamin C. Alessandrini and Harper M. Alessandrini, both of Center Barnstead, NH. Jo-Ann is also survived by Catherine Sena Gould of Edgewood, NM (wife of her late brother Charles, Jr.), by Charles A. Riley of Warden, WA (husband of her late sister Betty), and by nieces and nephews (children of her late sisters Helen and Betty and brother Jon).

Jo-Ann graduated from Plymouth High School in 1970 and received her Bachelor’s Degree in English from Notre Dame College. After marrying Bernie in 1971, she held institutional advancement positions at Plymouth State University, Southern New Hampshire University, and the University of New Hampshire. In 1984, due to Bernie’s promotion, they moved to Tampa, FL where she accepted a position with the University of South Florida (USF), named annually as one of our nation’s top 50 colleges.

During her 25-year career at USF, Jo-Ann served as Assistant Dean for Development and Fundraising at the College of Natural Science, then at the College of Engineering, and finally at the College of Business. Along the way, she obtained a Master’s Degree in Public Relations from USF. In 1998, she received the USF School of Mass Communications Outstanding Alumna Award. She also became Associate Vice President for USF Health Development and Alumni Relations that included for the College of Nursing, the College of Pharmacy, the College of Public Health, the Morsani College of Medicine, the School of Biomedical Sciences, and the USF Health Heart Institute. After serving USF for 22 years of unprecedented growth, in 2005, Jo-Ann was given responsibility for the University of South Florida’s overall fundraising efforts as CEO of the USF Foundation and Vice President of University Advancement. Her boss said of her: “Jo-Ann is an effective mentor, profusely successful fundraiser, and a calm steady hand. Everyone is thrilled to have her.”

Despite her busy and successful career, Jo-Ann and her family never forgot their New England roots. Wanting to be closer to New Hampshire, in 2008 she accepted an offer from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), one of our nation’s preeminent engineering colleges, located in Worcester, MA. She was named Associate Vice President for Development and Campaign Director, charged with leading its 7-year, $200 million fundraising campaign. Under Jo-Ann’s direction, in 2015, WPI closed the largest comprehensive fundraising campaign in its history with just over $248 million, nearly 25 percent above its goal. She retired shortly after.

Speaking as her husband and someone who had the pleasure and privilege of having a ringside seat for the last 56 years of our life together, Jo-Ann’s success in business mirrored her success in her personal life. Both were due to her extraordinary people skills. She loved her family and friends, and being with her brought laughter and fun, no matter what the occasion. Her smile lit up every room she ever entered, from living rooms to board rooms. She will always be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who loved to be around family and friends. She will always be remembered as a friend and mentor by those who worked with her and for her. And she will always be remembered for her zany sense of humor and willingness to poke fun at herself. Life with Jo-Ann was never boring and everyone who knew her will miss her.

Our family would like to thank the staff at Golden View, the Visiting Angels of central New Hampshire, and the Granite VNA Hospice for their kind care in making Jo-Ann’s last few months as comfortable as possible.

There are no calling hours, but a graveside service will be held at a future date in July at the Riverside Cemetery in Plymouth, NH, followed immediately by a Celebration of Jo-Ann’s Life at a nearby location.

Arrangements are under the care of Mayhew Funeral Homes and Crematorium. To sign the online book of memories, go to mayhewfuneralhomes.com.