John J. Rossi, Jr. 79 of Englewood, FL, formerly from Southington, died Sunday, May 15, 2016. He was born June 7, 1936 in Meriden. He was the son of the late Emma (Mercaldi) and John Rossi, Sr.
John was a 1955 Graduate of Wilcox State Tech in Meriden, where he enjoyed and excelled playing basketball, thanks to Coach Ben Zajac. He was an Eagle Scout and a Navy Veteran USNR 1954-1962. John retired from MRM Industries (30 years) and Lori Lock (9 years). He was a life member of the Meriden Elks, served as an auxiliary Police Patrolman, and served as Secretary of the Della Neve Society in Southington.
Family was most important to John and he worked very hard all his life to provide for them. His greatest joy was the many family gatherings and the great food prepared by many.
John is survived by his beloved wife of 38 years and nurse, Maryanne (Calvanese) Rossi. He was adored by his six children: Ken and Michele Rossi, David and Gayle Rossi, Laura and Dana Barrow, Mary Rossi and Gary, Jack Rossi and Ana Paula, and Jeanne and Jeff Daughenbaugh; a loving brother and sister, Michael Rossi Sr. and Louise Rukus;
Most of all, John was full of love and pride for his eight grandchildren: Brianna, Domenic, Ben, & Jonathon Rossi, Jesse and Sienna Barrow, Ashlyn and Devin Daughenbaugh. He also loved and enjoyed their cherished family pets, he especially loved their dogs.
John will be missed by his in-laws John & Carol Calvanese, Richard & Sue Calvanese, and Susan & Mike Murphy; his Godmother & Aunt Carmel Bucholz, Aunt Adeline Mercaldi, and family friend Marge Rinkavage; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
We will all miss Big John!
A memorial service will be held at Mary Our Queen Church, 248 Savage Street, Southington on Saturday, June 25 at 11:00 am. There will be no graveside service. John will be buried alongside his parents at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Meriden.