John N. Rossetti

Petersburgh-John Nicholas Rossetti, 94, of Petersburgh, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 6, 2025, in Valatie. Born on February 15, 1931, in Gloversville, John lived a life defined by devotion to family, deep appreciation for the outdoors, and pride in craftsmanship.

John's early years were spent in Beacon, New York, before moving to Red Hook, where he graduated from Red Hook Central School in 1950. Shortly thereafter, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving from 1952 to 1956 serving most of his term stationed in Germany.

After returning home, John worked at his father's inn in Red Hook before beginning a long and dedicated career with the New York State Office of General Services. A graduate of barber school as well, he was never one to shy away from hard work or learning a new skill.

It was in Aspen, Colorado, waiting in line for a ski lift, that John met the love of his life, Vivian Thorpe. From that serendipitous moment to their wedding on December 29, 1962, their love only grew-fueled by countless letters during their long-distance courtship. The two went on to share over 60 years of marriage, raising a close-knit family and building a life together that was rich in tradition, love, and mutual respect.

John and Vivian lived in several places throughout New York-Schenectady, Round Lake, and ultimately Petersburgh-where John fulfilled a lifelong dream by building their family home on Dyken Pond Road during the 1970s. While working full-time for the State, he meticulously constructed the farmhouse where his children were raised and where generations of grandchildren would later gather.

A man of many talents, John was a masterful woodworker and stained-glass artisan. His creations-custom toy boxes for his grandchildren, a beloved rocking horse for great-grandchildren, and intricately designed light fixtures-remain treasured pieces in the homes and hearts of his family.

John found joy in life's simple pleasures: camping trips with his children, tinkering in his basement workshop, and watching classic Westerns. He had a particular fondness for his 1952 red tractor, which he used to maintain the land he loved so dearly. Above all, John cherished the time he spent with his beloved wife, Vivian.

He is survived by his wife, Vivian Thorpe Rossetti; his five children: Marcia Rossetti, Mark Rossetti (Karen), Lillian Rossetti Cardell (Michael), John Rossetti (Denise), and Vivian Rossetti Dutcher (the late John Dutcher); his sister, Margaret "Peggy" Rossetti Gardner; 14 grandchildren: Heather Rossetti, Elizabeth Roche, Sarah Roche, Katharine Roche Carner (Christopher), Jeremy Rossetti (Sarah), Michela Rossetti, Alaina Rossetti, Derek Rossetti, Shaylyn Rossetti, Miranda Morneault, Jess Morneault, Jack Cardell (step), and Jared Cardell (step); and great-grandchildren Kayden Miller (step), Lilyana Rossetti, and Everett Carner.

He was predeceased by his parents, Michael and Ann K. Bolander Rossetti, and his sister, Jane Rossetti Cayea.

John's steady presence, kind spirit, and enduring craftsmanship leave an indelible mark on all who knew him. His legacy lives on not only through the works of his hands but through the love and values he passed down. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A memorial service will be celebrated on Thursday, June 19th in the W.J. Lyons, Jr. Funeral Home, 1700 Washington Avenue, Rensselaer, NY at 6pm. Relatives and friends are invited and may call prior to the memorial service from 4-6pm. A private interment will take place in the Gerald B.H. Solomon National Cemetery in Schuylerville.