William S. Rossi

william rossi
William S. Rossi, 97, passed away on April 19, 2010 at Connecticut Hospice, after a brief illness. Born Dec. 9th 1912, he was the oldest child of Domenic Rossi and Filomena (Maturo) Rossi of New Haven, who emigrated from the Naples area of Italy. Know to his friends as Bill, Rossi learned the plumbing trade as a teenager, being forced to leave school to assist his family, as was the custom in that day. He later earned a high school equivalency diploma, and took some courses at New Haven College. Rossi joined the National Guard in the late 1930's, and at the outbreak of WW II joined the Seabees, serving in the Pacific Theatre on both Saipan and Tinian islands. He discovered an active volcanic crater on Tinian, that to this day is known as 'Rossi's Crater.' On returning home in 1945, Rossi was active is progressive politics pursuant to social justice, ran for alderman in New Haven, and joined the NAACP, being one of it's first caucasian members in New Haven. In 1949 he married Christine Giaquinto of New Haven, and in 1952 son Marc was born. The family moved to Hamden in 1957, and in 1961 Rossi formed 'Rossi Bros. Plumbing and Heating Co,' with his late brother Anthony. Bill and Christine Rossi divorced in 1972, and in 1973 Rossi married Melatina Krainess of West Haven. They remained married until her death in 1991. During this period Rossi taught plumbing for the state of Connecticut, and became a member of the Connecticut Building Officials Association (CBOA) serving as an active building inspector until his retirement at age 86. The CBOA scholarship, given to a graduating high school senior entering the construction trades, is known as the 'William S. Rossi Scholarship,' and for many years Rossi presented it personally at the association's annual meeting. In 1993, Rossi met Dorothy Catinello, and she remained his companion until her death in Nov. 2009. Bill Rossi was a Mason, and this was central to his life. He was a long-time member of Trumbull Lodge No. 22 in New Haven, having taken his Masonic degrees in 1952 under the direction of Worshipful Master Bertram M. Martus, and for the last decade had served as the lodge's tiler. Rossi was designated by Trumbull Lodge an 'Honorary Past Master' and was presented an apron attesting to his status by vote of the lodge. In addition, in recent years, Rossi visited local schools and spoke about his experiences in the service during WW II. However, he spoke primarily about peace, seeing war as the last resort, and urged students to seek peace and try to create greater harmony in the world. Rossi is survived by son Marc, a composer, pianist, and Professor at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, a sister Anne Pacelle of Southington CT. (his six other siblings are deceased) a nephew Frank Rossi of New Haven, a niece and nephew, Thomas and Maryanne Petrosino of Charlotte N.C, nephews Robert and Paul Volpe of St. Louis, MO and nieces Dana Pacelle and Lisa (Pacelle) Leary. Friends may visit with the family Saturday, April 24th from 4 to 7:30 p.m. at BEECHER & BENNETT, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden, followed by an Interdenominational Funeral Service and Masonic Service. Memorial contributions in William's memory may be made to Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Rd., Branford, CT 06405.

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  1. Bill was a true gentleman, a real brother, a wise counselor. A man of unshakeable integrity and a living exemplar of honor. I’ll miss him greatly.

  2. Bill was one of my closest friends. A mentor and guide. He touched me with his wealth of knowledge and life experience, and gave great insight and guidance which I will use for the rest of my life. Goodbye friend. Enjoy your rest, you have earned it. I will see you again someday, in the Celestial Lodge above, and we will once again share each other’s company.

  3. We will miss Uncle Bill dearly. He was a truly remarkable person. It was a privilege to have shared time with him. He always made you feel special. We will miss his interesting conversations and his love of humanity and life itself.

  4. Bill Rossi was a good and upright Mason. He was a soldier who fought for peace. He was a Brother who worked for harmony. He was an example to us all. I will miss him.

  5. Billy – You were a great friend and brother and still are. You will truely be missed. Alass my brother rest in peace you have earned it.

  6. I knew Bill from the earliest days I can remember.A great friend of my family. He helped My father put in heating and plumbing in our cottage in Brookfield ct. back in the late fifties. Stayed close friends with my father Bertram Martus till his death in 2001. Always thought things through and gave sound advice whenever asked. He stood behind his friends and was always there when help was needed. Bill will be sorely missed.

  7. Brother Rossi was one of the greatest and most genuine men i’ve ever met. He is uncomparable because when he came into being the mold was broken. May he sit in the lodge above look down to us and sigh at the joy he has given us by being a part of our lives.He will be the man i tell my great grandkids about when im his age

  8. Dear Bill..It has been our pleasure to know you and have you as a member of our post for so many years..you are truly a gentleman and warrior veteran..thank you for service to our country…May God Bless You

  9. Dearest Bill: How close we came to making the American Warrior trip to the WWII Memorial in Washington next week. I was so honored to be your guardian, and will be your eyes and ears and for the other veterans. Your honesty, caring and love of all humanity will be always treasured. Give my love to your beloved Dottie. Vera Morrison, Town Clerk of Hamden

  10. It’s hard to believe we’ve lost Uncle Bill. He was so vibrant, full of life and energy. We’ll carry with us cherished memories of playing guitar and singing; and lively discussions of music, politics, science, family – or whatever else came to mind. We’ll miss you, Uncle Bill!

  11. Mr Rossi will be missed, he was always willing to help out and had a great heart. very sorry for you’re loss. Michael Smart

  12. To Marc Rossi and family, Although I never met Marc’s father, I am sure he was a great man and progressive thinker. Marc’s music is a fitting tribute to a heritage of community service, peace and equity. My thoughts are with you at this time.

  13. Dearest Bill: How close we came to making the American Warrior trip to the WWII Memorial in Washington next week. I was so honored to be your guardian, and will be your eyes and ears and for the other veterans. Your honesty, caring and love of all humanity will be always treasured. Give my love to your beloved Dottie. Vera Morrison, Town Clerk of Hamden


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