POUGHKEEPSIE – Dozens of customers, family members, police, firefighters, and elected officials gathered at a Poughkeepsie street corner on Wednesday afternoon to honor a husband and wife who have been a staple in the community. Rossi’s, commonly referred to as “Rossi’s Deli,” was opened by John and Angelina Rossi in 1979 at the corner of Delano and South Clover Streets. The most bragged-about sandwich shop that has so much more to eat is still in the corner location and recently opened a second location in Eastdale Village in the Town of Poughkeepsie.
Elected officials including Congressman Marc Molinaro and State Senator Rob Rolison joined with dozens of others outside of Rossi & Sons Rosticceria to dedicate the street corner as “John & Angelina Rossi Way” with the unveiling of the new street sign.
Rolison was still the mayor of Poughkeepsie last year when the event was originally planned as a way to recognize the Rossi family for their contributions to the city. Scheduling conflicts pushed the event back a few times until Wednesday when everyone was able to gather.
Senator Rolison, who resides a few blocks away from Rossi’s said, “I have been eating here for as long as I can remember and I have watched the Rossi family, under the leadership of John and Angelina give so much back to the community. They are always available to help in the time of need to make sure people do not go hungry. They are a great example of community spirit.” He said the family has “been part of this city since 1979 and have always helped others. They have helped this city attract individuals to visit and enjoy so many of the things Poughkeepsie has to offer and most importantly they are two wonderful people. ”
Molinaro (NY-19) is very familiar with the Rossi family’s spirit of giving as well as their tremendous food offerings. The “Rosticceria” which loosely translates to “Italian fast food” is a part of Molinaro’s diet as it is to many who visit the Poughkeepsie area.
“John and Angelina are the living embodiment of the American Dream,” the congressman said. “They have built a family and a business here in the city – they are passing it down to future generations – and we are joining together in acknowledging their contributions, their generosity, their love of good food, and their love of family.”
The family was presented with a proclamation by Rolison and will soon be receiving another honor from Molinaro. Honoring the Rossi family’s “Commitment to this country and this community, a flag has been flown over the US Capitol in their honor and will be presented in the near future,” Molinaro proclaimed, to the applause of everyone in attendance.
Photo gallery of the dedication:
