Bernard "Bernie" Rossi

Bernard “Bernie” Rossi, age 99, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, after a brief illness, at Tobey Hospital.  Born in Altavilla Irpina, Italy on January 11, 1920, he was the son of the late Joseph and Angelina (Lepore) Rossi.
     He came to the United States at the age of seven.  During his childhood, Bernie was educated in the New Bedford School system and completed two years at New Bedford Institute of Technology, before becoming a lifelong resident of Acushnet.
     Bernie was a proud veteran who served in the U.S. Army during WWII with the Anti-tank 85th Ordinance 254th Infantry Regiment.  He took part in battles in Southern France and Central Europe.  He continued to stay in touch with members of the 85th,  attending many of their reunions across the country.  During the 60’s, he served as the Post Commander of the Italian War Veterans.
     Upon returning from the service, Bernie met the love of his life, Helen, to whom he was married for 59 years.  He was a draftsman, employed by the Continental Screw Company until his retirement in 1982.
     Bernard was dedicated to his family.  He was a generous, humble and loving husband father, brother and grandfather.  He treasured the simple things in life.  He loved going to Fort Phoenix with his brother, Americo, soaking up the sun, meeting old friends and walking the dike.  He cherished the time spent with his sister, Bettina on her yearly visits, dining out, going to concerts or being one of the oldest members to work out at Workout World.
     Bernie loved tennis and all New England sports teams, especially the Patriots.  He often told us stories of when he played for the Murphy Club and how the game has evolved.
     Bernard’s favorite saying was, “Tomorrow never comes, it’s always today”, and although he never achieved his goal of turning 100, we know he will be celebrating that milestone in Heaven.
     Bernard was predeceased by his wife, Helen (Pietrzykowski) Rossi and a grandson, Niccolo Rossi.
     He is survived by his daughters, Roberta Rossi of Dartmouth, MA, Patricia Bachand and her husband, Wayne of Manchester, NH, Pamela Doucette and her husband, John of Manchester, NH; a son, Joseph Rossi of Anchorage, Alaska, a brother, Americo Rossi of New Bedford, MA, a sister, Bettina Ribeiro and her husband, Jorge of Tucson, AZ; four grandchildren, Joshua Bachand, Derek Smith, Adam Smith, Leigh-Ann Smith, and two great grandchildren, Charles Rossi, and Dakota Wright Smith; and several nieces and nephews.
     Visitation is 8:30 A.M. – 10 A.M., with a service at 10 A.M., Saturday, November 9, 2019 at Machnowski Funeral Home, 472 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford.  Burial with military honors follows in Sacred Heart Cemetery.
     In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Disabled American Veterans.
     For condolences, visit www.machnowskifuneral.com.

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