Naugatuck-Edward James Rossi, 71, passed away on October 22, 2013 at Hartford Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Mr. Rossi was born on July 25, 1942 in Naugatuck, a son of the late Enidis Rossi and Luduvina (Corpacini) Rossi. He was retired from Peter Paul where he worked for 38 years. Born and raised in Naugatuck, he was a graduate of Naugatuck High School. He served in the US Navy and was a proud plank holder of the USS Simon Lake AS-33. He was a 2012 Naugatuck Hall of Fame Inductee, a Volunteer Umpire for over 30 years in the Union City and Peter J. Foley Little Leagues, and a 30 Year Football Official with the Western Connecticut Football Officials Association. Mr. Rossi was also a volunteer at Joe Triano's Golden Glove Boxing Class, the Naugatuck Little Pal Basketball League and the Naugatuck Junior Football League. He was a 20 Year Volunteer with the Naugatuck Hall of Fame Committee, a member of American Legion Post 17, a member of the Adriatic Marchegian Club of Derby, and a 40 Year Army Football Season Ticket Holder. A lifelong Cleveland Indian fan, Mr. Rossi enjoyed his Friday Night Card Group and his Friday Morning Breakfast Group in Southington. He always had a smile, loved to laugh and enjoyed a good time. He was the life of the party. He is survived by his son, Jim Rossi and his wife Peggi of Naugatuck, his beloved friend and companion for 20 years, Ann Lorenzo, two sisters, Joan Rossi of Naugatuck and Lisa Howland and her husband Brian of Foxboro, MA, one brother, Raymond Rossi Sr. and his wife Lenore. He will also be missed by several nieces and nephews who affectionately called him Uncle Eddie. The funeral will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Vincent Ferrer Church, 1006 New Haven Rd, Naugatuck. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Friends may call at the Buckmiller Brothers Funeral Home, 82 Fairview Ave, Naugatuck on Friday evening from 4-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to either the: Naugatuck Hall of Fame Scholarship Fund, PO Box 572, Naugatuck, CT 06770 or the Office of Radio and Television, 15 Peach Orchard Rd, Prospect CT 06712.