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Joel Rossman Obituary
Joel was born on the Lower East Side of Manhattan and was known throughout his life for his unmistakable New York style and energy. In his youth, he excelled as a basketball shooting guard. He and his younger brother, Ron, thrived on competition.
In 1974, Joel moved to San Francisco, embracing a bohemian lifestyle. He directed plays, pursued art projects, and immersed himself in the city's creative scene.
Drawing on his charisma and entrepreneurial spirit, Joel founded Personal Stamp Exchange in 1980, growing the business in Petaluma and Santa Rosa. He built close friendships with many of his employees, who admired his lively conversations, sharp business mind, and generosity.
Joel married Marina Golden in 1982, and together they built a home in Petaluma while growing the business. In addition to helping raise his stepson, Andy, Joel and Marina welcomed twins-Jacob and Katrina-in 1986.
After selling Personal Stamp Exchange in 1999, Joel and Marina went their separate ways. Joel moved back to San Francisco, where he raised Jacob and purchased Redimat, a business he managed for the rest of his life.
In 2006, Joel married Daisy Roman. The couple made their home in a Victorian in San Francisco, hosting numerous social gatherings and frequently visiting Budapest, Hungary, where Daisy had immigrated from in 1966. Nearly every Saturday until Daisy's passing in 2018, they lunched with friends in Berkeley's famed Gourmet Ghetto.
In his later years, Joel lived in Rancho Murieta before recently returning to Petaluma. During retirement, he enjoyed attending theatre and art events, watching basketball, and traveling to visit family and friends across the United States and Europe. He was cherished for his optimism, quick wit, and ability to turn ideas into action.
Joel is survived by his son, Jacob, and daughter-in-law, Katy, of San Francisco; his daughter, Katrina, of Santa Rosa; his stepson, Andy, of Vallejo; and his brother, Ron, sister-in-law, Rose Marie, and nephew, Zachary, all of Tennessee.
Joel's ashes will be kept at his son's home in San Francisco. A private memorial and celebration of his life will be held at a local restaurant.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Lila Lawson Azbill
August 28, 2025
I had the privilege of working for Joel at Redimat back in 2010 for quite some time, and during that time he became much more than just a boss; he was a true mentor. Joel was kind, generous, and always willing to share his knowledge. He had a way of making work feel meaningful, and his encouragement helped shape my career in lasting ways.
He and his wife, Daisy, always went out of their way to think of me and my son, bringing back little knick-knacks from their travels. Joel even welcomed my son, Josh, to "work" at Redimat during summers when I was struggling to find a sitter, that was the type of man he was, my son would run around with Joel and Bill, feeling like part of the the team.
Joel´s generosity of spirit and genuine kindness touched everyone around him. He will be dearly missed, but his lessons and impact will always stay with me.
Marian Glazer
August 22, 2025
Joel, We will miss you. Having known you for over half a century, you never changed. Your kindness to Heather and Matt hosting them when each of them relocated to San Francisco until they got settled. You were a mensch who made your parents proud. Our condolences to your children Jacob, Kate and Katrina and to Ron and his family. May your memory be a blessing.
Love, Marian & family
Vinciane de Bellefroid
August 20, 2025
Sincere condolences to Joel's family and friends. I met Joel in 1993 on a HIA show in Chicago. We worked together to develop PSX in France and Benelux. It was an incredible pleasure! A creative man, attentive to his partners and warm. This photo was taken in Maastricht. He had invited the entire European team to an incredible restaurant that had hosted European leaders to sign the famous European Maastricht Agreements. I saw him several times during his visits to Europe. Always a pleasure to share with Joel. If the twins by the way in Europe would be happy to meet me, please do not hesitate to contact me, we have a guest room for you !
I will never forguet the smile of Joel!
Kind regards.
Vinciane de Bellefroid
[email protected]
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eric newland
August 17, 2025
Joel, your light will shine bright for eternity for all who love you. A fierce competitor on the hardwood, slashing your way to the hoop like a graceful dancer. Swagger, positivity, entrepreneurship a unique sense of humor and laughter that always made you a prescience. I love that we stayed connected for 60 plus years, spontaneous gatherings on the coasts, you turned me on to Petaluma and where you began your stamp business. I love you for always staying true to yourself and the spirit world that has welcomed you with open arms. To Ronnie, family and extended my heartfelt love goes out to all of you.
Samuel Rolnick
August 13, 2025
One of life's crowning moments:
School on the Hill's children's theater production of Guys and Dolls produced and directed by Linda Jones and Joel Rossman with music by Samuel Rolnick and sets by Phil O'Brien and featuring our students and other kids in the Noe Valley neighborhood of San Francisco.
Samuel Rolnick
August 13, 2025
I'm missing my good friend, a man of integrity, good humor, kindness, business acumen and generosity even into eternity.
CHARLOTTE LOWREY
August 12, 2025
Condolences to you all on Joel's passing. He was a fun guy to work with at PSX. We had such fun at Halloween and enjoyed his little dog. Peace and love to you family members.
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