The collection is owned by Tampa businessman Phil Alessi, Jr. Alessi met his heroes through his late father, who was a promoter and locally famous bakery owner. Tampa Businessman Phil Alessi, Jr. has decided to sell most of his extensive collection of signed memorabilia from sports and entertainment figures. He collected them over decades with his late father, Phil Alessi, Sr. The backstory:The Alessi Bakery was founded in 1912 by Nicolo Alessi, who brought his European-style baking from Italy. Phil Alessi, Sr. promoted boxing and other events in the local area for decades as well as running the bakery.