Big Indian-
John A. "Jody" Rossitz, 59 of Big Indian died Tuesday March 6, 2018 at the Albany Medical Center after a brief illness. He was born in Kingston on June 28, 1958 the son of John F. and Jane Bedell Rossitz. A native and life long resident, he was a graduate of Onteora High School and Alfred State College. As a senior at OCS he dominated the high hurdles, even breaking his own records. He had been a design engineer for Ametek Rotron in Woodstock for about 38 years. He was an active member of both the Shandaken and Woodstock Ambulance Corps. Jody has served as Chief of the Big Indian-Oliverea Fire Department for decades. Additionally he has been the Training Coordinator, Communications Coordinator, and the Medical Control Coordinator for the department. Ulster County has awarded him recognition of valiant efforts, courage, and determination in fulfilling his duties. His commitment to the fire ...[more]
pany exemplifies the value he placed on his 'sense of community'. His family describes him as loving, strong, and supportive. His grandchildren absolutely made him light up!
Surviving in addition to his parents of Bushnellsville, are his wife Dorothy Oakley Rossitz whom he married in 1997, a daughter Lisa and her husband Bob Repke of FL; 2 brothers: Jeffrey (Melisa) Rossitz of Rochester, and Jay (Linda) Rossitz of Sommerville,SC. 2 grandchildren: Lauren and Rob, and several nieces and nephews also survive.
A Service to Celebrate the Life of Jody will be held on Saturday at 12 noon at the E. B. Gormley Funeral Home 87 Main St. Phoenicia, with a reception to follow. Spring interment in the Oliverea Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions may be made to the Big Indian-Oliverea Fire Department. Friends will be received on Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9pm at the E. B. Gormley Funeral Home. You may share a special memory or condolence with the family on Jody's Memorial Page at www.gormleyfuneralhome.com