Joseph Rossi

Joseph Rocco Rossi, 92, passed away peacefully on July 1, 2010 at the Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield, MA surrounded by his devoted family. For 64 years he was the loving husband of Inez (Giancarli) Rossi. Joe was born in Naugatuck on May 4, 1918 one of 9 children of Settimio and Annunciata (Orincelli) Rossi. He attended local schools and was an active member of St. Francis Church in Naugatuck. A lifelong resident and business man he began his career working at Rosenblatts Dept Store at the age of 13. For 53 years he was the popular owner of Rossi's Shoe Store as well as the owner of Rossi's Tot Shop. Generations of local residents were outfitted from head to toe by Joe and his loving wife Inez. Joe was an active participant in civic affairs and was a founding father of the Naugatuck Exchange Club and was awarded the Gold Metal of Honor in 1967. He was also a charter member of the United Way of Naugatuck and Beacon Falls, he was a member of the Veteran's of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the Knights of Columbus, the Naugatuck Lodge of Elks, Unico International, the Holy Name Society of St. Francis Church, served on the board of Directors of the Retail Division of the Chamber of Commerce and was an active member of the Naugatuck Red Cross. As a young man Joe developed an interest in competive sports, in particular boxing and motorcycling which lasted through out his life. He was a founding member of the Naugatuck Valley Riders Motorcycle Club as well as a charter member of the American Motorcycle Association. As a boxer he competed in over 67 semi-professional and professional boughts. After enlisting in the US Army in 1942 he became the 41st Infintry Division Champion boxing for General George Patton. He was recognized by the CT Boxing Guild, the Naugatuck Hall of Fame and the Naugatuck Alumni Association. In 2007 he was inducted into the CT Boxing Hall of Fame, his mane interest lie in helping the youth of the community. After returning from the war he assisted Joe Triano with the YMCA's youth boxing progra,. and later established the Rossi Boxing Club at the Naugatuck YMCA. Until just a few months prior to his death he could be seen at the YMCA training and mentoring young men and women towards successful boxing and personal careers. Besides his loving wife Inez he leaves one son Joseph Rossi and his wife Colleen of Pittsfield, MA, two grandchildren, Stephen Rossi of San Francisco, CA and Bethany Rossi of Boston, MA. Two sister in laws, Lydia Goodson and Lorraine Mulhall of Naugatuck and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers, Enidis, Bruno, Alfred, Carato and Danbury (Fred), Victor, Edmando Rossi, his sister, Louisa Gabianelli. A military funeral will be held Wednesday, July 7, 2010 at 10:30 am from the Buckmiller Brothers Funeral Home, 82 Fairview Ave, Naugatuck to St. Francis Church for a mass at 11:00 am. Burial will be in St. James Cemetery. Calling hours will be on Tuesday evening from 5-8 pm. In Lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to: The Naugatuck YMCA, Youth Boxing Program, Church Street, Naugatuck, CT 06770.