Columbus J. Rossi

Decorated World War II Army Veteran

Columbus J. Rossi, 92, of Shelton, beloved husband of Catherine F. DiBlasi Rossi, died November 30, at Griffin Hospital. Born in Derby, October 12, 1919, he was a son of Ernest and Raffaele DeDonato Rossi.

In addition to his wife of 65 years, two daughters, including Deborah Walls, and her husband Noel, of Newtown; four grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews survive Mr. Rossi. He was predeceased by four siblings.

A US Army Veteran of World War II, he saw fighting in Guam and Okinawa during his 2½ years of service as a member of the 7th Antiaircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion, where he was awarded merits on his many accomplishments.

Mr Rossi was an upholsterer for Brown Brothers Upholstering of Fairfield for many years before his retirement.

He was an avid New York Yankee fan, thoroughly enjoyed swimming and gardening, and cherished the times he spent traveling to Aruba and Italy.

Funeral services took place December 3. Interment was in Mountain Grove Cemetery of Easton.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St Lawrence Church Building Fund, 505 Shelton Avenue, Shelton CT 06484, or to St Jude Children’s Research, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105.

To light a virtual candle, visit www.abriola.com.

The Newtown Bee        December 9, 2011