Joseph Rossi, Passionate Runner, 83

Joseph ‘Joe’ Rossi, a 52-year resident, died peacefully on June 2 in his Pacific Palisades home, surrounded by his family. He was 83. Born in Providence, Rhode Island, on September 28, 1924, Joe volunteered for the U.S. Army at age 18. He served in Europe during World War II and received the Victory Medal, among others. Returning from the war at 21, Joe followed his passion for health and fitness to study medicine and physical therapy, earning his bachelor’s degree from the University of Rhode Island on the GI Bill. Eventually he reached the University of Wisconsin, where he fell in love with Catherine (‘Kay’) Echle of Bowling Green, Ohio. ` The newly graduated physical therapists said ‘I do’ at the cathedral in St. Louis on September 15, 1951, on their way to Connecticut, where they took PT jobs at the Veterans Hospital in Rocky Hill and soon after started a family. In 1953, Joe and Kay moved to Santa Monica, where Joe took a job as the only physical therapist at St. John’s Hospital. In 1956 the Rossis moved to the Palisades and their home on lower Via, where they remained for 52 Christmas mornings. A talented therapist in her own right, Kay blessed her children by remaining home to care for Cathi, William, Joseph, John and Maria. Joe and Kay moved to the Palisades because, as Joe often said, ‘I wanted a good place to raise my family.’ All five Rossi children attended Corpus Christi School School and were raised in an era where they could walk to school and when the Bay Theater, The Hot Dog Show, Wil Wright’s, and Hacienda Galvan still stood. At St. John’s Hospital, Joe eventually managed a staff of over 100 and oversaw a vital hospital expansion, being a key contributor to what is now commonly known as ‘outpatient’ care. After retiring in 1982, Joe went into private practice. He was known not just for his expertise in health care, but also for his ability to motivate patients of all walks of life. The family often vacationed in Yosemite where Joe, ever fit and active, led his family and friends on virtually every trail within the majestic park. He was also a staple at the Palisades Fourth of July 10K race and ran up until the last few weeks of his life. He received dozens of awards marking his life’s passion: running. Joe was best known in town as the inspiring, friendly and caring man who not only ran, but also walked constantly and everywhere. People already miss seeing Joe pass by their yards, giving them a wave, a smile, or a brief conversation. He was generous with his time, helping others with the simplest of things, such as taking out the trash cans for his neighbors. For nearly 30 years, except for times when he was out of town, Joe missed his ‘route’ only once–the week before he passed away. A devout Catholic, Joe was an active member of Corpus Christi Church and volunteered at hundreds of events, attended Mass almost daily, and was an usher and a member of the seniors group. He is survived by his caring wife of 56 years, Catherine ‘Kay’ Rossi; his five children, Cathi, William, Joseph, John and Maria Rossi, all of whom live in California; grandchildren Kyle Rossi and Michaela Rossi; daughters-in-law Gabriella Rossi and Joan Rossi; brother Peter Rossi of Arizona and sister Marie Rossi of Rhode Island. In the few days before his passing, with a clear head, a bright smile and conviction of the heart, Joe Rossi told his wife and children that he was not afraid to die and that he was happy to have had such a long life. He said that he loved them all very much. A Memorial Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 14, at Corpus Christi. Burial services are private. Joe’s family supports the Cutaneous Lymphoma Foundation (www.clfoundation.org). More information at www.joerossifinishedtherace.com