PHONE: (908) 852-3361
FAX: (908) 852-4117
905 High Street Hackettstown, NJ 07840

Rossi, Michael Angelo “Señor” May 8, 1931 - November 2, 2021

Michael Angelo “Señor” Rossi, 90, of Hackettstown, NJ passed away peacefully in his home Tuesday, November 2, 2021.

Michael grew up in Bunker Hill in Scranton Pennsylvania. He graduated from The University of Scranton where he was a 4 year letterman in football and was later inducted into the hall of fame. Michael married Mary Rose Fasula in 1953 and eventually moved to Hackettstown in 1960, where he resided for the remainder of his life. He was a devout Catholic and parishioner of Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Mary in Hackettstown. In addition to his college degree, Michael earned multiple master degrees from various institutions. Michael was a Spanish teacher at Hackettstown High School and a college professor at New York University, County College of Morris and Centenary College for over a span of 50 years.  While at Hackettstown he was also a football coach, and as the head coach in 1970 guided the team to the state championship.

Michael is preceded in death by his wife Mary, of 66 years. He is survived by his 5 children: Celeste and Gordon Holovacs, Joseph and Greta Rossi, Anthony and Elizabeth Rossi, Roselyn Rush and Michael and Debbie ​Rossi. He is also survived by the loves of his life, his 12 grandchildren and 4 great children (and 2 more on the way) who were more important to him than life itself.

Senor, Ve a disfrutar bailando con mama otra vez!

Visitation will be held at the Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ on Monday, November 8, 2021 from 4-7 pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Mary, 302 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ of Tuesday, November 9, 2021 at 10:30 am with Father David Pekola officiating.

Burial will follow the Mass at Hackettstown Union Cemetery, Hackettstown.

 

 

Condolences(22)

  1. REPLY
    Ed Wehmeyer says

    My deepest sympathy and condolences to the Rossi Family and Friends
    Senor was my football coach at HHS and I became friends with him and his wonderful family
    I shared some special memorable social times with Senor, friends and Family that we’re so enjoyable !
    Always with a great smile when I would see him as he greeted me with “Eddie “
    A wonderful friend and man who was a positive influence in my life
    Love the man and family
    RIP Senor

    • REPLY
      Sharon DeHaas says

      I have very fond memories of being over the Rossi house while growing up.Senor was My Spanish teacher as well as my best friends father and neighbor. Actually our backyards met!
      The New Years parties were always the best ! Your daughters took such great care of you and you were at home where you wanted to be. May you be at peace now with Mrs Rossi.Sharon DeHaas

  2. REPLY
    Marty and Judy O'Hora says

    To all the Rossi family, so sorry to hear of my friends passing.Knew of Senor’s conditioning and am happy he’s running around Heaven with Mary.Was one of the BEST friends a person could ever have.Without a doubt my BEST! God Bless all the Rossi.Love all of you.

  3. REPLY
    Patricia and John Handlos says

    Our condolences to the Rossi family, sorry to hear of your fathers passing. God Bless.

  4. REPLY
    Matt Watson says

    My deepest sympathies to the family…

  5. REPLY
    Machen Clark / Mauldin SC says

    Roselyn,
    My heartfelt sympathies are with you and your family during this time.

  6. REPLY
    Paul & Robin Wallace says

    Dear Rossi Family
    My Wife Robin and I were so saddened to hear of Mr. Rossi’s passing, and know our words will be of little comfort.
    Please know we have you all before our FATHER in Heaven, and pray through Christ our LORD HE provide you all the comfort HE can give.
    GOD Bless You
    Paul & Robin Wallace

  7. REPLY
    Timothy and Theresa Wallace, NC says

    When I saw the email from my brother telling me of Senor’s death, it brought me back 50 years to Spanish 1 at Hackettstown High School and Dialogo Uno – “Hoye, quiene es a chico”, “Es un amigo mio”, “Como se llamo”? “Se llamo Juan”. And who could forget his renditions of “Noche De Paz” and the one my late mother used to always kid me about singing, “La Blanca Navidad”? My deepest condolences to the Rossi family, and especially to my classmate Joe.

    • REPLY
      Karen (Torchia) Arnold says

      Deepest condolences to the Rossi family on the passing of your father. It has been a pleasure knowing all of you. I knew your Dad as a student, colleague and friend. I so enjoyed seeing him every week at church. May he rest in peace. Karen Arnold

  8. REPLY
    Chick and Linda Dimiceli says

    Our condolences to the Rossi family.Senor was a great part of our family through the years. We have so many good memories.God bless you my good friend

  9. REPLY
    Jane Zorica Pile says

    My condolences to the Rossi family. I had Senor for
    Spanish 3 & 4 when I started at HHS my Jr year. I was way behind the others in his class. He was so very kind to me and helped me catch up to the other students. I’m sure he’ll be missed by so many.

  10. REPLY
    Sheila Greene says

    Senor was larger than life in the 60s at Hackettstown High School. He taught Spanish 1, 2, 3, and 4, and was known to throw in a little Italian too. He will never be forgotten by his students. My condolences to the Rossi family.

  11. REPLY
    Allison Willis Wawrin says

    My deepest condolences and sympathy. Senor always had an ‘hola!” for everyone! What a wonderful man for the community and school, and an awesome family. So much to be proud of.

  12. REPLY
    Michael Abromitis says

    So sorry to hear. Senor was my favorite teacher and coach at HHS, he led our senior year team as head coach to a Group 1 Championship after Coach Applegate had to bow out for the season for health reasons. He was my Spanish teacher for 4 years and had a great foundation for the language when taking Spanish at Rutgers. RIP Senor ! Condolences to all the Rossi’s .

    • REPLY
      Sheila Greene (“Verde”) says

      Michael, I agree. I took Spanish 2, 3, and 4 with Senor, and then breezed through two semesters of Spanish in college. He gave us a good foundation.

  13. REPLY
    Cindy Reeves says

    So sorry to the Rossi family for your loss. I always knew of him as Señor in school, and he always seemed so dignified as I passed him in the halls. He was of the same generation as my own father, and they were raised as hard working, family loving, patriotic people. They lived through the depression and many wars. Sending prayers for him and those who loved him.

  14. REPLY
    Lisa Ruiz Lascelle says

    Sorry to hear of Señor Rossi’s passing. As much as he tormented us (in a fun way) in Spanish class, he was a joy to have as a teacher. RIP Señor Rossi. I’m happy to hear you had a wonderful and fulfilling life ❤️

  15. REPLY
    Susan Carpenter O'Neill says

    Condolences to Mr Rossi ‘s family .He was a wonderful Spanish teacher.

  16. REPLY
    Joe Easty says

    Señor always knew how to make me laugh. I appreciate all that he has done for his community. Always made an effort to go to church despite challenges. My deepest condolences to the Rossi Family.

  17. REPLY
    LINDA HOFFMAN says

    Mr. Rossi was one of a kind, with a big heart!

  18. REPLY
    Joe Beckert says

    My thoughts and prayers for peace are with the entire Rossi family. Señor Rossi was without a doubt the best teacher I’ve ever had. He made learning fun, easy and always made us smile. He was a warm and caring man and I’m glad I knew him.

  19. REPLY
    Ken Farrell Jr says

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you Roselyn and your family, Sorry for your loss, your father was a great man,, R.I.P. Mr. Rossi, God Bless the Rossi Family