Barbara J. Rossi

Barbara J. (Rafacz) Rossi, 76, died on Oct. 31, 2025 at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh after sustaining serious head injuries in a fall 12 days earlier. She was a gentle, soft-spoken person with a lifelong devotion to her Roman Catholic faith and a commitment to serving humanity. Barbara was born March 21, 1949 in Spangler (now Northern Cambria), the first child of Rita (Brown) Rafacz and Francis “Frank” Rafacz, and was raised in the village of Van Ormer. She is survived by her son, Jacob Rossi, of Altoona; her sisters Sharon Sanders (Walter) of Charlotte, N.C., and Rita Rife of Van Ormer; and her brother, John Mark Rafacz of State College. Also surviving are Barbara’s nieces and nephews Stephanie Rife, Michael Rife, Emma Sanders, Tess Sanders, Daniel Rafacz and Sarah Rafacz, plus great niece and nephews Hannah Majofsky, John Majofsky and Eli Majofsky. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 48 years, Peter Rossi; her brother Francis “Frank” Rafacz Jr.; her brother-in-law John Rife; and her sister-in-law Jennifer Quick. Barbara graduated as valedictorian from Ebensburg’s Bishop Carroll High School in 1967. In 1971, she graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in history from Saint Francis College (now University) in Loretto. She also later earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Saint Francis. While working toward a master’s degree in history at Penn State University Park, she met her future husband. Barbara and Peter married May 25, 1974 in Huntingdon. She wore a wedding dress created by her sister Sharon. Following a career as manager of The Book Store, Inc., locations in Huntingdon and Altoona, Barbara spent a quarter century comforting hospital patients and their families. She was, in turn, a chaplain at UPMC Western Maryland in Cumberland, the former Bon Secours-Holy Family Hospital in Altoona, and UPMC Altoona. She retired in 2024.Barbara earned the Award for Commitment and Excellence in Service (ACES), which is given each year to half a dozen UPMC employees from across the 40-hospital health system. The honor recognized her “compassion and extraordinary care for patients.”She combined a fertile life of the mind with a rich expression of the spirit. She loved reading and music, especially classical and sacred compositions, and had a talent for playing the piano. She was well versed in art, history, the natural world and the cultures of people across the globe.Barbara was an enthusiastic participant in a variety of organizations at her parish, the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, in Altoona. They included the Holy Spirit Ministry, Cathedral Charismatic Prayer Group, Cursillo Movement, Christian Mothers, Order of Christian Initiation of Adults and Ushers.Barbara’s family is grateful to the many wonderful doctors, nurses and other caregivers at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital and to Annette Romani, Barbara’s dear friend who served as medical power of attorney.Relatives and friends will be received from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7 at the funeral home. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 8 in the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, 1 Cathedral Square, Altoona, followed by burial at Calvary Cemetery, in Altoona.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to UPMC Altoona Foundation at upmcaltoonafoundation.org; to Society of St. Vincent de Paul, P.O. Box 231, Altoona, PA 16603; or to another organization helping people in need. Arrangements have been entrusted to Rose Hill Funeral & Cremation Care, Inc. 118 Rosehill Cemetery Dr., Altoona, PA 16602. Condolences may be made at RoseHillFuneralCare.com.