Joseph J. Rossi

Joseph J. Rossi, 77 Poland- Joseph J. Rossi of 7007 Clingan Road, formerly of Lowellville, died Tuesday evening at St. Elizabeth Health Center. Mr. Rossi was born September 30, 1928 in Lowellville, a son of Joseph H. and Josephine Salerno Rossi. A 1946 graduate of Lowellville High School, Mr. Rossi was a United States Army Veteran, having served during the Korean Conflict. Mr. Rossi was employed by the former Cunninghamâa�a��s Furniture and Funeral Establishment for 30 years. In 1971, he established and operated as President of his own retail furniture outlet, Rossi Furniture Gallery in Boardman. He retired in 1996. In 1957 Mr. Rossi was elected to village council for a two year term. In 1959 he was elected as Mayor and served five two year terms and one four year term, whereby he served as Mayor for 14 consecutive years from 1960 to 1974. From 1974 to 1999 he served an additional 16 years as a village councilman. In 1999 he was again elected Mayor and served a four year term from 2000 to 2003. After serving 34 years in public office Mr. Rossi decided to retire at the end of 2003. He was a member of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church where he served as Eucharistic and Liturgical minister for the past 30 years. He was past Commander and Financial officer of the American Legion Post 247 with a continuous membership for the past 50 years, honorary member of the Knights of Columbus 4471 for membership exceeding 50 years and treasurer of the Mount Carmel Menâa�a��s Society with a continuous membership of over 58 years. He was a member of Holy Rosary Menâa�a��s Club and a member of the former Latin Culture Foundation for 50 years. A self-taught gourmet cook, Mr. Rossi was often featured on the Pittsburgh Station WQED with Chris Fennimore. His wife the former Theresa DeLucia whom he married August 28, 1954 died July 24, 2003. He is survived by his mother Josephine of Boardman; son Joseph A. Rossi M.D. of Pittsburgh; daughter Kimberly (Thomas) Rossi-Pallante R.N. of Poland; two sisters, Marian (Frank) Trimble of Struthers and Angeline (Tom) Cearfoss of Austintown and one granddaughter, Erika Teracia Pallante. Besides his father and wife, Mr. Rossi was preceded in death by his brother Anthony J. Rossi. Prayer services will be Saturday, 9:15 AM at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, Poland with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church, Lowellville. Friends may call Friday from 4-9 PM at the funeral home. Condolences may be sent at www.beckerobits.com .

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