Joseph M. Rossi

Joseph Rossi 84 of Warwick, RI, a retired West Warwick Police Captain of Detectives passed away peacefully on October 22nd after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born in West Warwick, Rhode Island to Angelina (Pacheco) and Michael Rossi. The second of four children. He leaves his ex-wife Barbara Rossi, their son Michael Rossi and wife Cindy, granddaughters Nicole and fiancé Jeff Easom, Kristi and husband Chris Tocci. His son Dale Rossi (deceased) and wife Mia, granddaughters Anisa (deceased), Maranda and husband Adam Russell, great grandchildren Isla and Jackson.

He also leaves his sister Mary Desmarais and husband Paul (deceased) and their children Alan and Jimmy. His brother Richard Rossi and wife Florence and his children Richard and Chris. His sister Eileen Ralston and husband Dave and her children Lisa Manske and Michelle Duminie. With the blessings of a large family including many nieces and nephews.

He was referred to as “Pop” or “Po” for short by his family and grandchildren who he adored and loved to be with, even if they would sometimes mess up his hair.

He joined the Marine Corps in November of 1958 and served during many deployments which took him to Italy and other world destinations. He was honorably discharged in November of 1964. It was during this time when he met his wife-to-be Barbara White while stationed at Henderson Hall in Arlington, Virginia. Joe and Barbara were married in August of 1963.

He was determined to provide the best life for his family. Following in the footsteps of his father he joined the West Warwick Police Department as an officer. He would eventually achieve the rank of Captain of Detectives. He loved his work and had a keen sense of solving crimes and protecting the community he served. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Salve Regina University majoring in Law Enforcement, eventually retiring in 1994 after 25 years of dedicated service.

During his retirement, Joe started a ROPEO group of Retired Old Police Eating Out, meeting monthly. They enjoyed the camaraderie and opportunity to share life with fellow police officers and firefighters as well. He also had a love of vehicles of all kinds and most times you could find him working in his garage on all types of projects.

Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, October 30th 2024 at 10:00 am at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, 360 Cowesett Rd., Warwick, RI. Burial with military honors will be in St. Patrick Cemetery, 65 Third St. East Greenwich, RI. The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations can be made to The Wounded Warrior Project. https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org