Mario Rossi

AUBURN < Mario Rossi, 89, of 35 Oak St., Auburn, passed away peacefully Thursday, Sept. 18, 2008, at his home. He was born in Auburn, the son of the late John and Clorinda DeLucia Rossi and had been a life resident. Mario was a communicant of St. Mary"s Church. He was an Air Force veteran having served his country in World War II. Prior to his retirement, Mario had been employed as a truck driver for more than 15 years at Howard"s Express in Syracuse. He was a member of the Moose Lodge in Solvay and was a Local Teamsters 317 member. Mario enjoyed the many hours spent with his friends at the McDonald"s Restaurant on West Genesee Street in Auburn. He cherished the time spent with his family and was most proud of every one of them. He leaves behind numerous friends that will miss the great conversation that they had with him each and every day. He is survived by his loving four children, a son, David Rossi and his wife, Carol, of New Mexico, a daughter, Margaret Rossi and her husband, Ronald, of Ithaca, a daughter, Betty Ann Merritt and her husband, James, of Auburn, and a son, Joseph Rossi and his wife, Cynthia, of Auburn; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; his close companion of several years, Stella Walker of Camillus; as well as many nieces, nephews and close friends. In addition to his parents, Mario was predeceased by his wife, Margaret Louise Renzulla Rossi in 1996; three sisters, Eugenia Manieri, Josephine Giannone, Elveda Soccio; and three brothers, Dom, Carl and Henry Rossi. Friends and relatives are invited to join the family at 10 a.m. Monday for Mario"s Mass of Christian burial with the Rev. Frank Lioi, pastor, as celebrant. Burial will be in St. Joseph"s Cemetery. Calling hours will be 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the Pettigrass Funeral Home, 196 Genesee St., Auburn. Contributions may be made in Mario"s memory to a charity of one"s choice. To send a message to the family, sign our guest book at www.auburnpub.com and click on obituaries.