Joseph Thomas Rossi of Rye New York passed away peacefully with his family by his side on May 14, 2014. He was born in Mt. Vernon, New York on June 1, 1925 to his namesake Joseph Thomas Rossi and Louise DePaolo. After graduating from A.B. Davis High School in 1942, Mr. Rossi entered the Army where he proudly served his country in World War II. He was a combat infantryman in the Pacific theater- 32nd “Red Arrow” Infantry Division. After the war, Mr. Rossi attended Fordham University on the GI Bill. On May 22, 1954 he married his beloved wife, Maryann Giorgio who survives him. They were looking forward to celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary this month. Mr. Rossi began his career in the food service industry at the Hotel Hartley in Mt. Vernon, NY in 1955. In the 1970’s, he established Forum Caterers and operated the Hotel Forum until 1982 when he brought his business to the Davenport Club in New Rochelle. He and his son Joseph have served as the caterers there for the past 32 years. Mr. Rossi took great pride and enjoyment in serving more than three generations of brides over the span of his career. Mr. Rossi is a lifetime member of VFW Post 1156 and is an honorary member of the Rotary and Lion’s Club. Mr. Rossi is survived by his six loving children, Linda and her husband Jack Bunyan of Harleysville, PA; Lisa and her husband Nicholas Panaro of Ossining; Lori and her husband Peter Lawrence Solano of Ardsley; Joseph Rossi, Jr. and his wife Catherine of New Rochelle; Patricia and her husband Jeffrey Couture of Somers; Susan and her husband Andreas Vezos of Ridgefield, CT. Mr. Rossi was deeply loved by his eighteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. They were truly his pride and joy. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Mr. Rossi was predeceased by his brothers Philip, Carl, Alfred, Thomas and Carmine. The family will receive friends at the Graham Funeral Home on Sunday, May 18th from 2-4 PM and on Monday, May 19th from 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, May 20th, at 10 AM at the Church of the Resurrection Rye, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Meals on Wheels of America https://www.mowaa.org and Babies Heart Fund Mission www.babiesheartfund.org/you-can-help.html
