Joseph Samuel Rossi

Joseph Samuel “Joe” Rossi, 61, died Sunday. February 28, 2010, due to complications following a motor cycle accident. Born January 20, 1949, in Philadelphia, PA, to Vinnie (Integlia) and Alfred J. Rossi, he graduated in 1967 from Camden County Vocational and Technical School. Joe enlisted in the United States Army and saw two tours in Vietnam with the 82nd Airborne Division, stationed at Chu Lai. He was honorably discharged in 1971. He was employed by Mercedes Benz/Freightliner, until his retirement and return to Jacksonville, Florida.

He then began a life of service, helping several area churches with repairs and improvements, and became involved with the Gamble Rogers Folk Festival, as a volunteer doing what needed to be done, building stages, painting signs, and enjoying the camaraderie of other folk music lovers.

Over the years he provided opportunities to youngsters in the neighborhood to earn their own spending money, and was Mr. Joe to a number of them. He gave his time and attention to children, even though he didn’t have any children of his own.

Joe was the first to volunteer his time to a number of causes, including Veterans groups to raise funds and awareness of the good works performed by military personnel, POW’s and MIA’s.

He loved riding his motor cycle, his friends, his family, and was always giving those with whom he did business samples of the music that he loved.

Joe will be especially remembered for his quick wit, spirit of adventure, and the tenaciousness that allowed him to achieve top rankings in many diverse endeavors.

Survivors include his sisters, Diane Rossi-Dougherty, Karen Rossi-Amadeo, and Ann Rossi-Alston, nieces Leanne, Moriah, Megan and Lori, and nephew, Matthew.

A memorial service to celebrate his life and accomplishments will be held at Hardage-Giddens, at 11801 Sam Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL, at 2:00 PM on Saturday, April 3, 2010. Relatives and friends are welcome at the gathering immediately after the memorial.

In lieu of flowers, send memorial donations in the name of Joseph S. Rossi to The Wounded Warrior Project, 7020 AC Skinner Parkway, Suite 100, Jacksonville, FL 32256 (www.woundedwarriorproject.org). or to the Gamble Rogers Folk Festival, 6713 Hidden Creek Blvd., St. Augustine, FL 32086, (www.gamblerogersrest.org), or to the Vietnam Vets Motor Cycle Club, 5180 Normandy, Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32234.