Major General John Gregory Rossi grew up on Long Island, New York. He is the son of Robert Rossi, a New York City police officer, and Marie Rossi. A 1983 West Point graduate, he commissioned in the Army as an Air Defense Artillery Officer. His civilian education includes a Bachelors of Science degree from the United States Military Academy, a Masters of Arts from Webster University and a Masters of Arts from the U.S. Naval War College. He is a graduate of the U.S Army Command and General Staff College and a distinguished graduate of the U.S. Naval War College.
MG Rossi served in the United States, Korea, Germany, Southwest Asia, and Iraq. He has commanded at every level, from Battery to his former assignment as the Commanding General of the U.S. Army Fires Center of Excellence and Fort Sill. Prior to that assignment, he was the Director of the Army Quadrennial Defense Review Office in the Pentagon. MG Rossi’s command assignments include Commanding General 32d AAMDC, Fort Bliss Texas; 35th ADA Brigade Republic of Korea; 2-1 ADA, Southwest Asia and Fort Bliss Texas; C Battery 1-6 ADA Fort Bliss, Texas and A Battery 3-1 ADA, Fort Hood, Texas. MG Rossi’s principal staff assignments include J33 U.S. Forces Iraq, Baghdad, Iraq; Deputy Commanding General (Fires and Effects), III Corps and Fort Hood, Texas; Deputy Commanding General and Chief of Staff, Fort Bliss, Texas; G3, 32nd AAMDC, Fort Bliss, Texas; Chief, U.S. Central Command Air and Missile Defense Division, Tampa, Florida; Operations Officer, 1-7 ADA and 94th ADA Brigade in Germany; and Deputy Operations Officer, 3-43 ADA, Southwest Asia during Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
His awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal (2 Oak Leaf Clusters), the Legion of Merit (4 Oak Leaf Clusters), and the Bronze Star (Oak Leaf Cluster).
He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Liz Rossi, a native of El Paso; his three children, CPT Dominic Rossi, Maria and Angelina; granddaughter Kylie, and furry kids, Chico and Lucy. He is also survived by his father, Robert Rossi; siblings, Bobby (Patricia) and Donna, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his mother, Marie Rossi. MG(P) Rossi lived for his family, friends, faith, and country. The epitome of a great leader, he proudly represented the Army every day of his 33 years of service. He was an exemplary man, and a role model to all who met him. The outpouring of love and support our family has received is a reflection of the enduring impact he had on our lives. A true sports fan, he loved the New York Mets and New York Giants. He was an espresso connoisseur who never passed up an opportunity to offer you a “shot.” A true family man, he loved being a husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, cousin and friend. He was a hero to our country, and will forever remain a hero in our hearts.
Major General John Gregory Rossi left this life on July 31, 2016. He was 55 years old.