John M. Rossmann

There is a fire of life that burns within each of our spirits and time, experience, thoughts and feelings only serve to strengthen it, until that final day when our souls find peace from fighting long and bravely. 

John M. Rossmann found that peace on Monday, March 15, 2021 in the love and warmth of his home.  John was born 84 years ago on November 16, 1936 in Brooklyn, to Mary (Peters) and Frank Rossmann.  From an early age, John possessed a spark that kindled into a passion for serving his community and country, first proudly in the United States Navy and then with the East Brentwood Fire Dept., eventually as Chief and Fire Commissioner.  And when he and his family moved into their beautiful home in Huntersland, he quickly became an active member of the Huntersland Volunteer Fire Dept., also serving as Chief there for many years. 

When not running into fiery buildings, John’s fiery spirit was welcomed amongst friends in the Hilltown Seniors and also the Old Men Of The Mountain, sharing good food, coffee and a mutual love of good stories and laughter at local restaurants.  John’s spirit was also fed and strengthened by his faith and love of his God, attending Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church and membership in the George E. Keefe Council No. 4475 Knights of Columbus. 

There was also a fiery, loving passion inside John for his family.  He loved every moment raising his children, attending as many school events as possible.  Every day was special with his grandchildren, fishing with them and taking them to fairs.  John filled the other moments of his days cleverly mastering his crossword puzzles and finding great fun in navigating his I-pad, all while savoring his daily regimen of ice cream, which could explain the signature smile he always greeted you with.

John was predeceased by his daughter: Lisa Ciabattari and his sister: Joan Zabosky.

His gentle, loving spirit and fiery passion will be held forever in the hearts of his beautiful wife of 63 years, Mildred (Walsh) Rossmann, whom he married on February 8, 1958; his son:  Kenneth Rossmann and wife, Kelly of Middleburgh; his daughters: Gail Kedoin and husband, Robert of West Windsor, NJ, Ellen Boyle and husband, John of Bay Shore, Janet Rossmann of Centereach; grandchildren: Adam Ciabattari, Scott Ciabattari, Lauren Ciabattari, Holly Rossmann, Lily Rossmann, Ariana Kedoin, Nicole Kedoin, Christopher (Natasha) Boyle, Brandon Boyle; great-grandson: Asher Boyle; son-in-law: Richard Ciabattari and many extended family members and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00AM on Saturday, March 20, 2021 at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church with Fr. Juanito Asprec as Celebrant. All are invited to visit with John’s family from 6-8:00PM on Friday, March 19, 2021 at Coltrain Funeral Home, LLC, 134 River Street, Middleburgh.  Facial coverings and distancing will be respected by all who attend each.  Spring interment with Military Honors will be in the Middleburgh cemetery.

John’s family respectfully requests memorials in his honor be sent to Our Lady of The Valley, PO Box 311, Middleburgh, NY 12122

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