Jim Allegro, a 14-year veteran in senior leadership roles with Capital Cities/ABC, and later a beloved and central figure in the history of ESPN, passed away peacefully in St. Augustine, Fla., New Year’s Eve at the age of 88.
At Cap Cities/ABC, he held a variety of senior roles in finance and operations, most recently Senior Vice President, Network Group. From 1990-95, he was Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at ESPN, and his business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit were instrumental during a period of tremendous expansion. In many ways, the multi-platform leader ESPN is today took shape during those years; as a result, his impact on how fans consume sports is significant.
Jim’s leadership was essential to the successful creation of The ESPYS, ESPN2, ESPN Radio, and many other brand extensions. Perhaps his proudest achievement was his active involvement in the founding of The V Foundation, dedicated to cancer research. The Foundation has raised over $310 million for grants and is considered a premier source of cutting-edge cancer research. Allegro was a Board Director Emeritus of the Foundation until his death. He was active in his community his entire life.
He was a Marine and former college football player at Holy Cross (Class of ’56). A large and engaging presence, he was a man of deep faith and great integrity, and his genuine concern for others was evident – as was his wonderful sense of humor.
He was married 37 years to his wife, Lesley, herself a former ABC executive. Jim was a beloved father to eight children (seven by his predeceased first wife, Antrese) and leaves behind 14 grandchildren.
A visitation will be held at St. Anastasia Catholic Church in St. Augustine, Fla. (5205 A1A S.) on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023, from 5 to 7 p.m. ET. The funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, Jan. 13, 2023, at 11 a.m. Flowers are gratefully declined, but memorial donations (remembrances) may be made to the V Foundation for Cancer Research, 14600 Weston Parkway, Cary, N.C. 27513, or https://www.v.org
