James A. Rossi

James A. Rossi, 51, of Suffield, beloved husband of Gina (Ignazio) Rossi, passed away Sunday, Aug. 11, 2013, at home with his family by his side.

He was born on April 7, 1962, in Hartford, son of Virginia (Austin) Rossi and the late George Rossi. A lifelong resident of Suffield, Jim was a graduate of Suffield High School with the Class of 1981. Jim played hockey throughout his school years and went on to coach hockey for five years. He owned and operated Car Craft in East Granby, an auto body shop. Jim was most recently employed as an auto body technician for Southern Auto Auction in East Windsor. He was a volunteer with the Suffield Volunteer Fire Department for several years, and coached girl's softball for many years. Jim was married to the love of his life, Gina, in 1986 and together they settled in Suffield. Jim was a devoted husband and exceptional father. His wife and children were always his No. 1 priority. He participated and supported his children's activities throughout the years whether it was Kim's figure skating, Sarah's softball, or Nathan's love for movies, music, and basketball. He was a stay-at-home father for several years taking care of his children when they were young. He enjoyed the Boston Red Sox, UConn basketball, waterskiing at Lake Ashmere in Massachusetts, and took pride in caring for his home and yard. His family vacations were very important to him. He loved the comforts of home and relished Gina's cooking and baking. He was a very special dad and husband. A kind, caring and loving man, he will be greatly missed by all.

Along with his wife Gina of over 27 years and his mother, Virginia Rossi, he leaves his children, Nathan Rossi, Kimberly Rossi, and Sarah Rossi all of Suffield; his sister, Sharon Dunn, and her husband, Steven, of Farmington; a brother, Robert Rossi of California; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Roger and Elaine Ignazio of Windsor Locks; his brothers-in-law, Roger Ignazio Jr. of Windsor Locks and Glenn Ignazio, and his wife, Sookie, of California, and several nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Dr Jonathan Sporn and the oncology unit at St Francis Hospital for the special care and compassion they provided to him. A very special thanks to his sister, Sharon Dunn, who was always by his side and to a special friend, Danielle Marenco, for their caring and support to Jim during his illness.

His family will receive friends on Thursday, Aug. 15, 2013, from 8 to 10 a.m. followed by a service at 10 a.m. at the Nicholson & Carmon Funeral Home, 443 East St. North (Route 159), Suffield. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery, Suffield.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Rossi Children's Scholarship Fund, c/o First National Bank of Suffield 30 Bridge St., Suffield, CT 06078.

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www.carmonfuneralhome.com

for online condolences and guestbook.