Achilles J. Rossi
“Kelly”
September 24, 1932—November 9, 2023
New Windsor, NY
Achilles Rossi, 91, entered into rest on November 9, 2023 at home in New Windsor, N.Y.
Son of the late Joseph E. Rossi and Martha (Martinisi) Rossi he was born on his father’s 32nd birthday in Cornwall, N.Y. He was the widower of Shirleyann T. (Olivero) Rossi, his cherished wife of 68 years who gave birth to the first of his two daughters on his 22nd birthday.
Kelly, as he was known to most, exemplified a man of integrity and fairness in all of his endeavors. He was a man of service who gave back to his country, community and to charitable and professional organizations.
He attended the New York University Graduate School of Public Administration and retired after thirty three years of distinguished service at the United States Military Academy at West Point, culminating as the Chief of the Technical Services Division for USMA’s Civilian Personnel Office. He was accorded Officer’s privilege and received the Department of the Army’s highest commendation given to a civilian at West Point. Kelly was a proud Navy veteran of the Korean War era, member of the Catholic War Veterans Post 386 and American Legion Post 1796, was a parishioner of Saint Francis Church, Newburgh, N.Y. and a Life Member of The Knights of Columbus council 515.
He served on the Orange County Office of the Aging RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) Advisory Council for 17 years and was a volunteer senior citizen’s income tax preparer in the Town of Highlands for 15 years. And he was a past member of the Board of Directors of the Cornwall Hospital and the West Point Federal Credit Union, where he also served as Treasurer.
In 2013 Kelly was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame at Orange County Community College (wrestling 1951-53) and he continued always to advocate for community college education.
An avid fisherman and trap shooter, high powered and small caliber rifle shooter, his office displays many trophies for competing events. He was also a Life Member of Black Rock Fish & Game Club, Cornwall, N.Y. and served at times as a Director, Captain of Patrol, Political Action Chairman and chief Auditor. His personality, organization skills and attention to detail propelled him toward these roles. He was busy in his retirement but he thrived and loved his active life. And he was teased that he had two speeds – fast and stop – as he dozed when idle.
That was until Shirleyann, his wife of 68 years that he had known since high school passed away in 2021. And then his steps slowed.
His memories of life with Shirley was a whirlwind of motorcycle rides and touring trips, dinner dances and joyous events they had together and organizations they belonged to.
During the course of his 91 years Kelly was predeceased by a long list of valued family and friends. All were remembered with deep affection.
Those who are left to remember him include his daughters, Martha Rossi-Novak, New Windsor, N.Y. and Michele Rossi of Cornwall, N.Y.;sister Dr. Rosalie C. Rossi PhD, of Tivoli, N.Y.; Godchildren Anthony Martinisi (Cara) of Cornwall, N.Y., Sharisse Vargas (Frederico) of Northfield, Minnesota and Dora Maher (Bryan) of Ft. Montgomery, N.Y.; Aunt Theresa Martinisi of Cornwall, N.Y., sister-in-law Pam Olivero of Albert Lea, Minnesota, and many cousins & friends.
Visitation will be from 4 to 7 PM, Monday, November 27th at Hudson Valley Funeral Home, 239 Quassaick Avenue, New Windsor, N.Y. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 AM, on Tuesday, November 28th at Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church 145 Bankard Avenue, Newburgh, N.Y. with Father Peter Pran Van Phat officiating and Deacon Tony Farraiuolo assisting. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, New Windsor, N.Y.
If you desire to make a donation in memory of Kelly he would have wanted you to consider giving to the “Love From Heaven – Christian Martinisi Memorial Fund” a fund that provides families grieving the loss of a child with resources and hope in memory of a child gone too soon.