Obituary of Donald L “Pat” Rossi Sr.

Donald “Pat” Rossi, 92 of Sheffield passed away peacefully the morning hours of Monday, December 28, 2020 at Fairview Commons, Great Barrington. Pat was born in Great Barrington on September 13, 1928 son of Charles and Louise Rossi.  He attended Searles High School.  Pat enlisted in the U.S Air Force and was stationed in the state of Washington.  Pat worked at Old Colony Transportation in Lee MA as a foreman mechanic for over 20 years.  He later was employed by Massini Bus Company where he was a mechanic and a school bus driver.  Pat bowled in the Men’s Tuesday night bowling league.  He played in the New Marlborough and VFW Pitch League.  Pat was a lifelong fan of the Detroit Tigers.  He also enjoyed playing sports and was good at it.   In his earlier years, he played basketball.  As an adult, on many summer weekends, he loved to barbecue and organize a game of wiffleball, volleyball or a Jart’s tournament.  Pat and his family vacationed every year in Canandaigua N.Y. One of the attributes Pat was most acclaimed for was his sense of humor.  He was accredited for his humorous storytelling.  Sometimes his funny stories were true, slightly embellished, or completely fabricated.  If he concocted a story, afterwards a family member would always end up saying, “not true”. He was a believable kidder. He loved to make people laugh and watch their reaction.  No matter what season, Pat’s goodbye to someone was “Watch the Ice”. Pat is survived by his daughter, Belinda Stewart of Clovis, CA, son, Steven Brockstruck and his wife Roxzene of Athol ID, daughter, Donna Donsworth and her husband Kenneth of Rose Lake, ID, daughter, Kathleen Whitbeck and husband David of Mt. Washington MA, daughter-in-law Laurie Beckwith of Great Barrington, sister, Doris Race of Great Barrington, brother Charles “Andy” Rossi and his wife Patsy “Pat” of Windsor Locks CT and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.  Pat was predeceased by his sister, Janet Reed, brother, Thomas Rossi, son Donald (Peter) Rossi Jr. and his beloved soulmate wife Mary Toomey Rossi.

Out of respect and safety for family and friends, a Celebration of Life for Pat will be held at a later date.   Memorial contributions in Pat’s memory may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society or to the Relay for Life of Berkshire County in care of the BIRCHES-ROY FUNERAL HOME 33 South Street Great Barrington MA 01230. Condolences may be made through birchesroyfuneralservices.com.