John August Rossini

John August Rossini
John August Rossini, 83, of East Windsor, CT, one of the coolest guys in the world, passed away at home suddenly on July 24, 2025. He was predeceased by his wife of 56 years, Carol, in February of 2022. John was born on July 13, 1942, in Hartford, CT, along with his twin brother, James. Raised by Italian immigrant parents, August and Adele, the precocious brothers required their three older sisters, Arline, Lydia, and 15-year-old Nellie, to assist their mother with their care. To ensure her twins behaved on Sundays, Mama Rossini had the two become altar boys in their Catholic Church. After the family moved to Wethersfield, Johnnie enjoyed fishing and ice skating on Wethersfield Cove, visiting relatives, and occasionally got into a little mischievousness with his twin.
He eventually grew an interest in engines and cars while hanging out at gas stations. This began Johnnie's lifelong passion in the automotive world. While attending Wethersfield High School, John kept very busy working on cars, cruising, and challenging fellow gear heads to drag races on the Berlin Turnpike. As a postgraduate, he attended A. I. Prince Technical School. With the nickname of "Big Bad John" and his clean-cut good looks, Johnnie won the heart of his future wife, Carol. After graduation, Johnnie spent two years in the U.S. Army, earning firing range awards and a Certificate of Achievement as Outstanding Soldier of his Basic Combat Training Cycle. He also gained more lifelong friends who appreciated his sense of humor and sincere praises.
After the service, his enthusiasm for fast cars grew, and drag racing at CT Dragway won him trophies while Carol took pictures. After marrying in 1966, the couple started a family and purchased their first and only home in 1968, settling in East Windsor, CT. A die-hard "Ford man," John earned the position of service manager at Fitzgerald/Seraphin Ford in Vernon, CT. His charming demeanor and honesty made customers feel valued and confident. At this time, John and Carol became foster parents, taking in newborn infants when needed, for 15 years. In 1979, John purchased a service station in Rockville, CT, conveniently calling it "Johnnie's Mobil" and turning him into a well-loved, local personality. The family business grew with Carol doing the books and Rene and Todd working various positions. Eventually, the station became known as "The Famous Johnnie's." Numerous long-term business and client relationships were formed throughout the years. Johnnie was a caring, generous man and donated time and money to innumerable organizations, including Howell Cheney Technical School in Manchester, CT. Many students from their Automotive Department were hired, some working for several years at Johnnie's and remaining friends with their boss until his passing.
John's pride and joy, his 1979 Ford Bronco XLT, was recognized all over. He bought it brand new as a family vehicle, and the unique Bronco plowed snow, towed campers and snowmobiles, and his kids learned to drive in it. The engine was rebuilt through the years, so Johnnie drag raced, attended car shows, and drove it in local parades up until the summer of 2025.
A devoted family man, John loved sharing experiences with his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids. Even while running a 24/7 business, he took the family camping through the entire east coast, coached Little League, got Rene and Todd into dirt bikes and trikes, and later he taught his grandsons on quads and dirt bikes. This fun Dad would ride any rollercoaster, and snowmobiling became an obsession-- having his Polaris souped-up for more speed. For 20 years he spoiled his family, including grandkids, with sleds, trips to incredible trails, and memory-making adventures. Trips to Canada with his twin brother and friends was a yearly adventure so he could race at speeds reaching 140 mph.
In 2008, the "Famous Johnnie's" was sold, and John and Carol's retirement was spent traveling in their RV for months around the country, including Alaska. He was devoted to Carol and selflessly took care of her for years while she declined from Alzheimer's. His affection for her never faltered, expressing his love to her until her passing in 2022.
John continued to drive his Bronco and spend time with his close friends. He especially enjoyed the nonstop visits with loved ones, especially his great-grandchildren, Lyla and Roman.
John was predeceased by his wife, Carol, his brother and three sisters. He leaves behind two children: daughter Rene Bugbee and husband James of Enfield, CT; and son Todd Rossini and his wife Heather of Somers, CT. He also leaves his very loving and devoted grandchildren: Jeremy Palmberg and his wife Marisela; Ryan Palmberg and his wife Summer; and Cayla and Emily Rossini. He was also adored by his great-grandchildren: Jonathan, Amelia, Andrew, Lyla, and Roman. A wake will be held Friday, August 8th, from 6-8 p.m. at Carmon Funeral Home, 807 Bloomfield Avenue, Windsor, CT. A wake from 2-3 p.m. followed by a memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 9th. To leave online condolences, please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com