Francis "Frank" Rossi

1925 - 2014

Aug. 31, 1925 - Jan. 7, 2014. Frank was a true gentleman and Renaissance man. He was deeply loved and respected by his family and friends.Born in Hartford, he resided many years in Bloomfield, with his beloved wife, Beatrice "Bea" Bujak Rossi. Frank graduated from Weaver High School and UConn where he received a degree in Civil Engineering and was an officer in the Army Air Corp. in WW II, as a Celestial Navigator on the B29 aircraft. His career as a Civil Engineer included employment with the Maskel Construction Company. During his later career, (1977-1995), he became the First Director of Public Works for the Town of Simsbury. The many projects he initiated included capital programs to repair and replace Simsbury roads and bridges, the renovation of the Belden School into Simsbury Municipal Offices, construction of the newer public library and handicap access for all public buildings.His many accomplishments and civic involvement included his membership in Mensa. He received recognition as one of The Top Ten Leaders of the Year 1989 by the American Public Works Assoc., and served as director of the New England Public Works Assoc.Frank was an enthusiastic antique car collector for many years and an avid skier, for more than 60 years. He enjoyed years of winter skiing with his wife and friends at their ski retreat, located in Vermont. During his retirement years he followed his passion and appreciation for art, and attended various art classes at the University of Hartford and the Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts, Old Lyme. His favorite mediums included sculpture and life drawing. He was an active member of Civitan. He is survived by his nephew James Bean and partner Ellen Brown of Torrington, niece Caryl Pomales and husband Eric of Stuart, FL, nephew Robert Bujak and wife Elaine of Somers, grand niece Jessica Bean of Seattle, WA, grand nephews, Alan and Nathan Bean of Chico CA, great grand nephew Levi Bean of Chico CA, first cousin, Francis G. Rossi, his beloved friend and companion, Ilva Bergman of Simsbury and his many friends and associates, too numerous to count. Friends may call at the Vincent Funeral Home, 880 Hopmeadow St. in Simsbury on Tues., Jan. 14th from 9 AM to 10 AM closing with a funeral service at 10 AM. Burial will follow in Simsbury Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to: Civitan International, P.O. Box 130744, Birmingham, AL 35213, or to the American Cancer Society, 825 Brook St., I-91 Tech Cntr, Rocky Hill, CT 06067 or to the Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts, 84 Lyme St., Old Lyme, CT 06371. Please visit Frank's "Book of Memories" at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online condolences.