1 Photo
Frances Wynne Callahan Dalessandro of New York City and Southampton died on May 8 at her New York City home after a long battle with cancer. She was 68.
A 1962 graduate of Georgian Court College in Lakewood, New Jersey, she worked at Mademoiselle magazine, advancing to the post of associate merchandising editor. She went on to work for the May Company in the firm’s New York office, first as an assistant buyer and then as the first female buyer for men’s clothing in the industry. She traveled all over the world in the course of her 30 years in the fashion industry and retired as senior vice president of creative merchandising for the company, which was then a $12 billion corporation.
According to Cathie Black, the president of Hearst Magazines, she broke the “glass ceiling” as one of the highest ranking women in fashion publishing and retail merchandising. She was a mentor to many young women on their way up, always pointing the way and gladly sharing her experiences. Dawn Mello, a mentor at the May Company recalled that “Fran was a warm and generous spirit. From the very start of her tenure at the May Company, she displayed the strength, grace and style for which she came to be known.”
Ms. Dalessandro was member of the Bathing Corporation of Southampton, the Meadow Club of Southampton, Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, the Colony Club of New York and the Sailfish Club of Palm Beach.
Predeceased by her husband of 37 years, John J. Dalessandro Jr., she is survived by three brothers, J. Michael Callahan and his wife Tina, Charles W. Callahan and his wife Beatrice and Alfred J. Callahan Jr; a nephew, Alfred “Alfie” J. Callahan III; two nieces, Victoria Pollard and Ya Ya Callahan; and one grand-niece, Finley Nae Pollard.
The family received visitors at the O’Connell Funeral Home in Southampton on May 12, and a funeral mass was held on May 13 at Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Church in Southampton.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Southampton Fresh Air Home, 36 Barkers Island Road, Southampton, NY 11968 would be appreciated by the family.
on May 13, 2009