Obituary of Joseph J. Rossi

Joseph J. Rossi, age 89, of Gloversville, passed away on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 at his home. He was born March 15, 1934 in Gloversville, NY, the son of the late Mary (Buanno) Rossi and James F. Rossi. 

He was a graduate of Gloversville High School class of 1952. He attended the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Va. He graduated from Syracuse University with a Bachelor's Degree in Economics.  

After graduating from college he served in the US Army at Fort Know, Kentucky, where he was "Chief of Officers Pay" at the 12th Finance Disbursing Section. 

After receiving an Honorable Discharge from the Army he was employed by the B.F. Goodrich Company of Akron, Ohio in a sales training program that led to a path into management. He was subsequently assigned to the Chicago regional office. He later joined the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in sales management at their Chicago regional office. After retirement, he and his wife relocated to Gloversville, NY to be near family and friends and to enjoy the many amenities that he enjoyed while he was growing up in the local area. 

Joseph was a member of many professional, social, business and civic organizations over the years, including the Eccentric Club and the Mayfield Yacht Club. He was an avid sports fan with his favorite college team being the Syracuse Orange. In earlier years, he enjoyed many outdoor activities including water sports, hunting, fishing, gardening and hiking.

Two of his greatest passions, however, were flying and boating. He held an FAA commercial and flight instructor's license and, in addition to his career, was an instructor at the Palwaukee Airport in Wheeling, Ill; now known as Chicago Executive Airport. He had great satisfaction when his student pilots passed their FAA exam and received their private pilot's license. He enjoyed his many trips from Chicago to Gloversville with his wife, Jo Ann, in his favorite airplane, a Piper Comanche. Landings were made at Fulco Airport, currently known as the Fulton County Airport, in Johnstown, NY. At that time the landings at Fulco Airport were made on a grass landing strip. He was an avid boater from his boyhood days on Caroga Lake to the Great Sacandaga Lake from early May to late September. Over the years they have enjoyed exploring the beautiful lake from Mayfield Bay to the Conklingville Dam and "hanging out" in many of its unique bays and coves. They also enjoyed the many amenities the Mayfield Yacht Club and lake had to offer, including the many restaurants that were available on the lake with docking facilities.

He is predeceased by his wife, Jo Ann (Derencin) Rossi, whom he married in 1972 in Buffalo Grove, Illinois. His wife was his best friend. They were inseparable. If you saw one, the other one was not far behind. In recent years they walked daily, year-round, weather permitting. He is also survived by a sister, Carole Baird of Baldwinsville and a brother, Michael Rossi and his wife Joan of Clifton Park; also several nieces and cousins.

Joseph was a member of the Church of the Holy Spirit.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 4 to 6 pm Tuesday, May 30th at Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home, 51 Fremont St, Gloversville, where a Prayer Service will be held 9:15 am Wednesday, followed at 10:00 am by a Mass of Christian Burial at the Church of the Holy Spirit, 153 S. Main St; Gloversville. 

Interment will follow at Mount Carmel Cemetery, Johnstown.

Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to the Church of the Holy Spirit,  153 S. Main St. Gloversville, NY 12078.

Online condolences to the family may be made at www.brbsfuneral.com