Daniel L. Rossi 1927-2024

He was born June 16, 1927, in Youngstown, to immigrant parents August and Augusta Mastrantonio Rossi, and was named Dante Luigi Rossi.

He was a lifelong resident of Youngstown and married the love of his life, Mary Rossvanes, on March 6, 1954. Their life together was filled with so many blessings. His heart always belonged in Youngstown. He enjoyed spending the winters in Naples, Florida.

Daniel grew up on the East Side of Youngstown, attended the former Madison Elementary School and graduated from East High School.

Daniel’s father, who emigrated to America from Italy at the age of 16, was drafted into the U.S. Army during World War I. Inspired by his father, Daniel enlisted at the age of 17 in the U.S. Navy Reserve during World War II, serving 16 months in The Philippines. He was very proud to have served his country and this experience shaped his future.

Daniel received his pre-law education at Youngstown College, using the GI Bill to cover the cost. He graduated from Ohio Northern University College of Law in 1952. He pursued a career in law to help others and equalize the playing field for all people. He viewed the law as providing a “fair shake” to everyone, no matter a person’s financial status.

After law school, Attorney Rossi started his solo general civil practice in the Central Tower Building in downtown Youngstown, where he met his wife, who was working as a legal secretary. He quickly became recognized as one of the top personal injury lawyers in town. His son, Gregg, joined him in 1990 when he founded the Rossi and Rossi Law Firm.

Attorney Rossi helped so many clients with legal issues and was a champion for the underdog. Dubbed “the dean of trial lawyers” by his peers, he worked tirelessly to settle differences and obtain fair resolutions for all he served, and ruled the courtroom when required. He always conducted himself with class, civility and professionalism. He was a member of the Mahoning County Bar Association, which bestowed upon him the Professionalism Award in 2017. He practiced law for over 60 years and tried and won his last jury trial at the age of 81.

Attorney Rossi made a lasting impact in the community. He was extremely proud of his instrumental role, which ultimately resulted in private Youngstown College becoming Youngstown State University, thereby making a college education more affordable. He served as Mahoning County Administrator and volunteered for 17 years on the Mahoning County Board of Developmental Disabilities, which included a term as president.

Daniel will be remembered as a compassionate, benevolent and generous man. Education and giving back to the community were extremely important to him. After making a significant contribution to Mill Creek Fellows Riverside Gardens, the auditorium was named “The Daniel L. Rossi Esq. Auditorium.” He also established a perpetual scholarship at YSU to provide for students in financial need. The former Ohio Room in Kilcawley Center at YSU also has been renamed in his honor.

He supported the organizations that were important to his family. He made generous donations to Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley, The Touched by Nathan Fund and a new project to feed schoolchildren with food insecurity. Because of his deep love of the law, he funded a law scholarship in his name at the Mahoning County Bar Association for students attending law school.

Daniel was a family man. He loved life! He was a champion for his children and grandchildren, always encouraging and supporting them. Once you met him, you never forgot him. His wisdom was gained by living a long and wonderful life, and he shared his experiences, thoughts and beliefs with whomever he met. He had a strong presence, filled every room he entered and left a memorable and lasting impression.

Annual family destination vacations were a ritual, including a trip to Italy and Greece to explore the family’s heritage. Golfing was his hobby, playing at Youngstown Country Club, Tippecanoe, Quail West in Naples, Stambaugh (the Muni, where he caddied at the age of 15), Mill Creek (where he had his one and only hole-in-one) and many other places.

He loved antiquing with his wife, playing cards, listening to music, playing the guitar and hosting family gatherings.

He was a member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Alpha Phi Delta, The Arco Club and The Angels Roost.

Affectionately known as “Papa”, he leaves behind four children, Dr. Elena Rossi Somers (Donald), Lisa Fitzpatrick (Jim), Nina Melfi (James), and Attorney Gregg Rossi (Deanna); eight grandchildren, Jennifer Santangelo (Josh), Nicole Barson (Zachary), Donald Somers (Becca Hohe), Alexandra Fitzpatrick (James Pollard), Dr. Allyson Somers Kinnear (Shane), Attorney Jimmy Melfi (Nina), Andrew Rossi and Matthew Rossi; and nine great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 68 years, Mary; his son, Daniel L Rossi Jr.; his parents; and sister, Theresa Pilolli.

As a devoted husband, dad, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and brother, he lived a wonderful life full of service and love for family, law and country. He touched so many lives in so many different ways. He will be sadly missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects to Daniel 4 until 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 3, 2025, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Social Hall, 343 Via Mount Carmel, Youngstown.

There will be a funeral Mass 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Basilica, with the Very Rev. Msgr. Michael J. Cariglio as celebrant. Everyone is asked to meet directly at the church to celebrate Daniel’s Mass.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Mahoning County Bar Association Foundation, Daniel Rossi Scholarship, 114 E. Front St., Youngstown, OH 44503; or Akron Children’s Hospital to support either the Mahoning Valley Food Farmacy or the Touched by Nathan Fund, Akron Children’s Hospital Foundation Mahoning Valley, 6505 Market St., Youngstown, OH 44512.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the professional care of the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4221 Market St. Boardman. Family and friends may visit www.rossisantuccifh.com to view this obituary or send condolences to Daniel’s family.

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