Michael Louis Rossi

Michael Louis Rossi, 88, of Westhampton Dunes, formerly of Garden City, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2024, in his beloved home by the bay, surrounded by his four children. Born on July 5, 1936, he was the youngest son of Louis and Rose Rossi, originally of Naples, Italy, then settling in Westbury, NY. Michael was the brother of Tess Maio and was predeceased by Angelo Rossi. Mike married Bernice, his high school sweetheart, in 1956, while studying at Manhattan College. Their 57 years together were filled with raising four children, traveling the world, and working hard. They were husband and wife, best friends, and true soul mates. Mike began his career at MetLife as a young man and his tenure there continued for decades. He was said to be an inspiring leader, a good listener, and a kind mentor. A story was told to us about Mike’s natural ability to work through problems. As the story goes: Mike’s salespeople would line up in the hallway to take turns seeking advice on work issues. He was a patient problem solver and sincere motivator. Mike was inducted into the MetLife Managers Hall of Fame in December 1992. He continued at MetLife until his retirement. With Bernice at his side, retirement was easy at their paradise by the bay. As a team, they nurtured their beach home through storms, hurricanes, and natural disasters. For almost 50 years, Mike and Bernice continued to build, rebuild, and redesign their home, with the final addition being a swimming pool for their eight grandchildren to enjoy, and did they ever! Mike’s grandchildren visited often and spent many summers at the beach house with their ‘Papa”. They loved going to Pike’s Beach, swimming in the pool, fishing, boating, watching Netflix late into the night and just being together. Papa had a special relationship with each of his grandchildren and their fond memories with Papa and Nana will live on in their hearts forever. After Bernice’s passing in 2013, Mike continued life in Westhampton Dunes, with his trusty Black Lab companion, Tease. Tease always brought a smile to Mike’s face during this time of transition. Mike was a “village” man. You could often find him eating breakfast at Dave’s Bun-N-Burger, drinking coffee at the Beach Bakery, enjoying dinner at The Patio, and his favorite, having ice cream at Shock. Our dad was kind, fair, and friendly to all. He was immersed in the Westhampton Dunes culture and worked closely with neighbors to improve life there. He was the president of the BBPA for many years, initiating several projects including beach clean-ups, camps for kids, and many other events. He loved his life at the beach and lived each day to the fullest. Mike is survived by his children, Rosemary Rossi of New Mexico, Robbin Rossi of Massachusetts, Patricia Kelly and husband John of New Jersey, and Michael Rossi of South Carolina; as well as eight loving grandchildren, Zee, Tian, Emma, Olivia, Ying, Jack, Georgia and Nick. Though our hearts are broken, and we’ll miss our dad terribly, we are deeply grateful for the guidance, support, and love that he’s given us throughout our lives. We would like to thank Michelle, his caregiver of 2½ years, and the caring staff at East End Hospice. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to East End Hospice at eeh.org/donate or to Mike’s favorite charity, Saint Jude’s Hospital at https://www.stjude.org/give/memorials-and-dedications.html The family will receive family and friends at the Werner & Rothwell Funeral Home in Westhampton Beach on Friday, August 23, from 4-8 pm. There will be a Mass at 11 am on Saturday, August 24, in the Church of the Immaculate Conception on Quiogue.

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