Mark Rossow

1952 - 2021
Mark Rossow
December 22, 1952 - March 24, 2021
New York, New York - Mark Rossow, 68, died March 24, 2021, at home with his wife Cathy by his side after a short but valiant battle with esophageal cancer.
Mark was born in 1952 in Ranipet, Tamil Nadu, India, the son of Robert and Barbara Rossow, while his father was serving as the United States Consul in Madras (now Chennai). Mark had a fascinating youth growing up in India, Nepal, Afghanistan, Turkey, and Italy as well as the United States. Following his high school graduation from The American School in Switzerland at Lugano, Mark enrolled in Syracuse University and majored in history and philosophy graduating Summa Cum Laude. He followed with law school at the University of Michigan receiving a J.D. (Magna Cum Laude and editor of the Journal of Law Reform). Following his graduation, he joined Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft and ultimately practiced with two other firms retiring in 2012 as General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer of a financial services firm.
A voracious reader, Mark loved discussing history, law, and politics, among other things, and was considered a delightful raconteur. At events, he was always surrounded by people and had the innate ability to enjoy himself while making those around him feel special and interesting. Mark's keen mind and thoughtfulness earned respect from all that came to know him. Indeed, he and his wife, Cathy were known in their apartment building as the nice couple at the end of the hall. Married for 28 years, they were nearly inseparable. They were always seen and referred to as a couple, Mark and Cathy, and not as one individual or the other. Travel was paramount in their marriage and they were able to see the world and understand and embrace the many cultures. Together, they raised two Labrador retrievers who brought them much joy.
Mark is survived by his loving and devoted wife Cathy, his brother Bob and his wife, Laurie, his brother Peter, and his sister, Katy. He also leaves behind a host of good friends and memories. Mark lived his life with courage, grace, and humility.
Due to COVID-19 no services are immediately planned. At a later date, however, we will gather to celebrate Mark's life and raise a glass to a life well lived. At Mark's request, donations may be made to the Animal Medical Center New York, www.amcny.org.