Jeffrey P. Rouse

1955 - 2025

Jeffrey P. Rouse, 70, of New Alexandria, formerly of Erie, passed away Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025, at home under Bridges Hospice's care. Born May 4, 1955, he was the son of the late Paul V. Rouse and Betty (Dench) Rouse. Jeff was a faithful member of St. James Church, where he served as secretary of the Holy Name Society and a choir member. A hard-working entrepreneur, he was the owner of Tri-Maple Studios, a conservation and restoration studio of fine art. His career in the art world began in Erie as a commercial artist working for the mayor. After moving to Export, his first Greensburg job was registrar of The Westmoreland Museum of Art collection. While building up his own business, he took various jobs as Hanna's Town Historical Society's director, IUP Museum's director, and adjunct professor at Seton Hill and Pitt at Greensburg. Jeff loved creating his own paintings in various styles and mediums and showing them in many area galleries. Over the years he had many personal shows and holiday openings at his own New Growth Gallery. Jeff's heart and soul went into two major projects. One being the restoration of Erie St. Patrick's life-sized Stations of the Cross, and secondly, his last personal show entitled "One Man's Interpretation of Christian Expression" at Saint Vincent Gristmill. He will long be remembered as a man of strong faith, a loving husband and father, and a fun-loving, compassionate friend. Jeff is survived by his wife of 47 years, Roxanne (Kosmack) Rouse; his son, Ian Rouse; and his daughter, Kira Riggs and her husband, Riley. His brother, Rob Rouse and his wife, Birgit; and their children, David and Kristine, and their combined seven children survive him; as do his sister-in-law, Deborah Kosmack; and brother-in-law, Vincent Kosmack. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his childhood poodle, Baba; his favorite gallery cat, Thunderfoot; and his son's iguana, Dill Pickle. Family and friends will be received from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025, at P. DAVID NEWHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, 215 Church St., New Alexandria, PA 15670, 724-668-2248. A funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, at St. James Church, with Rev. Tyler J. Bandura as celebrant. A live stream of the funeral Mass will be available through the church website, www.stjamesnewalexandria.org. Burial will follow at Union Cemetery, New Alexandria, PA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations in Jeff's name be made to St. James Church, 306 St. James Lane, New Alexandria, PA 15670. To send condolences, please visit www.NewhouseFuneralHome.com.