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Mary Jo Rossman
April 28, 1932 to September 20, 2023
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Mary Jo Rossman, 91, of Union Township died peacefully on September 20, 2023 at Shenango On The Green in New Wilmington, Pennsylvania. She was born on April 28, 1932 in New Castle, PA to the late Rocco J. Vitale, Sr. and Nancy Vitale. Mary Jo was married to Bernard Joseph Rossman, the love of her life, for 67 years. Bernard passed away in Mary Jo’s care at home in 2019 at the same age of 91.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death also was by her only brother, Rocco J. Vitale, Jr.
She leaves behind her four children: Bernard Rossman and wife, Sandee, of Pittsburgh, PA; Mary Lynn Lapikas and the late, Gerald Lapikas, of Youngstown, OH; Lisa Hackney and husband, Dana, of Naples, FL; and Thomas Rossman and wife, Lisa of Sidney, OH.
Her pride and joy centered around her growing family of grandchildren and great grandchildren: grandchildren are Christopher Rossman (Jenna) of Cypress, TX; Danielle Vernillo (Michael) of Pittsburgh, PA; Laura McGowan (Brian) of Middleburg, VA; Ryan Rossman of Pittsburgh, PA; Joanna Mitchell (Matthew) of Winston-Salem, NC; Mark Lapikas (Ana) of Youngstown, OH; Kathryn Rossman of Washington, DC; Michael Rossman of Sidney, OH; and David Rossman of Sidney, OH.
The great grandchildren completing the family are Kylie McGowan, Gabriella Rossman, Giovanna Vernillo, Enzo Rossman, Sophie Mitchell, Madison Lapikas, and Santino Vernillo. Two more great grandchildren are on the way this year. Many nieces and nephews were a significant part of Mary Jo’s life and were always there to support and love her.
Mary Jo carried the family name in her work legacy with the Vitale Fireworks Company – now Pyrotechnico of New Castle - sharing the love of family and celebrations with her dedication to the family business for many years. She built many long-lasting relationships around the country helping create memories of the Fourth of July, one of her favorite holidays.
Her best holidays, however, were at home always filled with family and her cooking of Italian specialties will be missed by many. She treasured being surrounded by all of her children and grandchildren who truly made her smile the greatest. A special memory for the family will always be her 90th birthday party.
Friends and family will be received at the Ed and Don DeCarbo Funeral Home and Crematory, 941 S. Mill Street on Friday evening, September 22 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A procession will leave the funeral home on Saturday at 8:30 a.m. for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 9:00 am at Holy Spirit Parish, St. Vitus Church. Father Benjamin Barr will officiate. Burial will take place in St. Vitus Cemetery.
Eternal rest grant unto Mary Jo, O Lord. Let perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
