SALEM- Ralph A. Rossetti, 78, of Salem, husband of Arlene M. (Siwik) Rossetti, died Tuesday evening, June 29, 2004 at the Devereux House Nursing Home, Marblehead, following a long illness.
Born in Salem, he was the son of the late William and Maria (Casale) Rossetti and was a lifelong resident of the city.
Prior to his retirement in 2000, he owned and operated Ralph’s Barbershop on Derby Street, Salem for over 50 years.
A Navy veteran of WWII, he served in the Asiatic - Pacific Theater and attained the rating of Seaman First Class. He was a life member of the DAV, a life member and former Post Commander of the Witch City Post, #1524, VFW, Salem.
For over 40 years, he was part of the comedy team, Ralph & Rudy, and performed from the North Shore to the South Shore.
Mr. Rossetti was a staunch supporter of Salem High School football, entertaining the teams with his comedy partner at their annual awards banquets. The walls of his barbershop were covered from floor to ceiling with pictures of Salem High teams and star players from as far back as the 1950's. For many years, he sponsored Ralph’s Clippers in the city softball league.
Besides his wife, with whom he shared 26 years of marriage, he is survived by one son, Steven Rossetti of Concord, New Hampshire, two daughters, Donna-Maria Rossetti of Lynn, Patti and her husband Michael Storie of Palm Springs, California, one step-son, Anthony Siwik of Saugus, nine grandchildren, two great grandchildren, one sister, Jennie Cecelski of Lynn, three sisters-in-law, Alice and her husband Basil Manias of Saugus, Jean Tansey and Norma and her husband Carl Peterson, all of Lynn and several nieces and nephews, including Terri Mazola of Lynn. He was predeceased by one brother, Sylvio J. Rossetti and two sisters, Loretta Rossetti and Ida Rossetti.
His funeral service will be held Saturday, July 3, 2004 at 9 am from the Full-Spychalski Funeral Home, 84 Washington Square East, by Salem Common, Salem, followed by a funeral Mass at 10 am at the Immaculate Conception Church, Salem. Relatives and friends respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours are Friday, 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm. Burial is in Pine Grove Cemetery, Lynn. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, 36 Cameron Ave., Cambridge, MA 02140. For on-line guestbook and directions, visit www.SalemFuneral.com .