Bernard Rocco Rossman
August 02, 1953 - March 16, 2024
Visitation: Sunday, March 24, 2024, 1-6 pm; Devlin Funeral Home of Cranberry Township
Service: Monday, March 25, 2024, 10 am; St. Aidan Parish, St. Alexis Church
Bernard Rocco Rossman, 70, of McCandless Township, passed away suddenly on Saturday, March 16, 2024.
He was born on August 2, 1953, and son to the late Bernard J. and Mary Jo Rossman.
Bernard is survived by his loving wife of forty-seven years, Sandra “Sandee” Rossman, and his three children; Christopher (Jennifer) Rossman of Houston, TX; Danielle (Michael) Vernillo of Pittsburgh, PA and Ryan Rossman of Pittsburgh, PA.
Bernard’s pride and joy were his grandchildren; Gabriella Rossman, Giovanna Vernillo, Enzo Rossman, and Santino Vernillo, and they all affectionately called him “Papa.”
In addition to his parents, Bernard was preceded in death by his mother and father-in-law, Thomas and Edna Apitsch.
He leaves behind three siblings; Mary Lynn Lapikas and the late Gerald Lapikas of Youngstown, OH; Lisa Hackney and husband Dana of Naples, FL and Thomas Rossman and wife Lisa of Sidney, OH.
Bernard was a devout Catholic, attended mass regularly, and his dedication to his loved ones knew no bounds. As the patriarch of his household, he always put family first. Known for his selfless and kind nature, Bernard was a shining example of generosity and positivity for all who knew him.
Bernard earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh in 1976.
He would enjoy a professional engineering career spanning for over 32 years, most recently as the Deputy Director of Engineering at the Allegheny County Department of Public Works in Pittsburgh, PA. Bernard would retire later as the Superintendent of Public Works in Franklin Park Borough in 2019.
In addition to his love for sports that led him to enjoy playing collegiate baseball during his time at Pitt, Bernard would later become an avid golfer. Whether it be with friends playing the many beautiful golf courses in the Pittsburgh area, or if it was a quick back nine enjoying his golf membership, Bernard’s competitiveness and love for the game grew even in retirement.
Outside of work and sports, Bernard found joy in cooking and spending time with his family and taking trips to Las Vegas. He was passionate about gardening, and you would most certainly smell a pot of sauce in his kitchen on Sunday afternoons. Bernard immersed himself in the arts, particularly the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and enjoyed theater performances with his “princess” Sandee.
Bernard’s class and gentlemanly demeanor endeared him to many in his community, where his positive outlook on life was an inspiration to all. As we mourn his loss, let us remember the legacy of love, laughter, and kindness that Bernard has left behind.
Friends and Family will be received from 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday, March 24, at Devlin Funeral Home of Cranberry Township, 2678 Rochester Road, Cranberry Township. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday at 10 a.m. at St. Aidan Parish, St. Alexis Church.
Memorial contributions may be made in honor of Bernard’s name and mailed to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 26 Broadway, 14th Floor, New York, New York 10004.
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Our Deepest Sympathy to the Rossman family.
When I moved to Pittsburgh in 2007, I had no family, no friends, and no acquaintances. My aunts, uncles, and cousins live throughout the world.
I met Bernie over 10 years ago, and he welcomed me into his family as if he met me before. I had the pleasure of working for Bernie until his passing, and from the minute he hired me I felt like I was working for my cool Uncle.
Although he is not my biological uncle, I feel like I lost a family member and I will remember him for the rest of my life.
Ben Lodico
Bernie, you were a great guy, one of the best, I miss you and thank you for being a true friend. Your work is done and we are all better in this world because of you! May God bless you and keep you!
Sandee & Famila & to all that Bernie has touched along his way our hearts & prayers are with you all, praying for strength & love to you all & to be able to lean on your loved ones during this time. Our love
Sandee, Family & Friends that Bernie has touched along his way…our deepest condolences, keeping you all in prayers.
Danielle and family, Deepest condolences on your loss. It seems he lived a wonderful life and was a true gentleman. I understand it’s never long enough with those we love. Prayers for peace
Sandee, Christopher, Danielle, Ryan, and family…the big brother I never had, that was Bernie. We met early on when he transferred from the Planning Department to Engineering & Construction. After that we spent years managing employee issues together through Public Works. I cannot recall a time when Bernie was angry or short or disinterested. Always so even-keeled, calm, and caring with everyone. We shared many a laugh together and he gave me great counsel when I turned to him, which was often. You could count on a smile and a listening heart (and often a good golf story). The Bible tells us that you will know them by their fruits. Bernie’s fruits include a family that adores him, former employees that respect him, and a legacy of love (not to mention all his work over the years to improve local infrastructure). Certainly way too soon to leave this earth and your beautiful family, but heaven is his reward for a life well-lived. Love you, Bern, and so glad that Tom arranged our brunch last year. I will hold onto to that memory.
I don’t have words for the loss I feel. I cannot imagine the pain in the hearts of Sandee and all Bernie’s wonderful family. Hopefully, in time, the beautiful memories will overshadow the pain as you remember your husband, father, and PaPa. Rest in Peace my friend.
Dear Rossman Family,
We are so sorry to hear about Bernie’s passing..we have many memories of Bernie, Sandee and the Family. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Glen and Karen Maus
Sandee and all of Bernie’s Family, I want you to know that Bernie was a mentor to me at Allegheny County, even though I may not have realized it at the time. He showed a construction guy how to function in an office environment. So professional. I still recall the lunch hours where we compared notes on the latest internet stock to rocket up then right back down. He was top shelf.
My deepest sympathy,
Bob
The Entire Rossman Family,
So very sorry to hear of the sudden passing of Bernie. He is a cousin of mine and I was close with his Mom Mary Jo. You all have my deepest condolence, I will not be able to attend the viewing on Sunday, I will be out of town. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Dear Sandee and family,
My heart breaks for all of you. Such an unspeakable devastating loss. I’m so very sorry. May you feel the love and prayers from those that love you and your family. God bless and hold you all close during this time and the days to come.
Sandee (Cuz) I’m so sorry for your loss. Bernie was such a great guy. May God Bless you all and Bernie R.I.P. Love you❤️🙏🏻
Sandee and family, My heart broke when I learned of Bernie passing. There really are no words big enough to express how much tenderness I have for you right now. I hope you know I’m thinking of you and I know this is so hard. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
Bernie and I went through St. Vitus School together, Union High School together and finally the University of Pittsburgh. While not very close friends, we had a connection of history. He was always a fun and energetic guy as well as a very intelligent man. I never recall him being anything but friendly and kind. I am sorry to hear of his passing and know that his family will greatly feel his loss. My deepest sympathies to all of you.
Sander and family, I am so sorry to hear of Bernie’s passing. I will pray for you and your family.
Beth and Zach
Sandee and family, I am so sorry for your loss.
Bernie was one of my favorite people. I loved sharing stories, recipes and simple hello’s with him in our front yards. Your family is in my thoughts.
If there is anything I can do for you, please do not hesitate to ask.
My Deepest Sympathies,
Sam
Dear Sandee and family, I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of Bernie,, keeping you all in My prayers to help you get through this terrible time ,💔🙏
When I met Bernie for the first time at your parent’s house, I felt like I met an old friend from childhood. He showed me the house and we talked about our families and growing up in Union township. What a wonderful man. I’m grateful I got to meet him.