Eugene "Pie" Rossi, Sr., 76, of Farrell passed away surrounded by his wife and children early Wednesday morning, July 31, 2024, following an extended illness.

Pie was born November 7, 1947, in Farrell, a son of the late Samuel J. and Emily J. (Pellis) Rossi. A 1965 graduate of Farrell High School, he completed an associate's degree in business at Colorado Technical Institute in 1972 and completed his cosmetology certification after graduating from Cheena's Beauty Academy in 1973.

A proud veteran, Pie served honorably in the Air Force the Security Forces in the Philippines during Vietnam and was a member of the USAF Honor Guard Drill Team.

Pie was a Veterans Employment Program Supervisor for the Pennsylvania Dept. of Labor and Industry. He helped thousands of men and women gain employment in the local workforce. Pie was elected State President of SEIU Local 668, where he was a fierce negotiator for his brothers and sisters. He was appointed Liaison between the Union and Dept. of Labor and Industry under PA Secretary of L and I, Harris Wofford.

Since 1993, Pie has owned and operated Our Gang's Lounge, Inc., in Downtown Sharon. He was a well-known local D.J. who co-hosted the "Italian Hour" and impersonated the character "Wolfman Jack," with both shows airing on WPIC.

Pie, a local baseball and softball legend, had many accomplishments while playing for various teams throughout Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio, from Little League until he retired from softball at the age of 60. He played for Our Place, New Deal Club, Sts. Peter and Paul, Pepsi Cola, and Our Gang's Lounge – to name a few. Following high school, he was drafted by the Little Tigers – a minor-league affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. Pie was also an avid bowler with numerous 300 games, tournament wins, and league championships. He was inducted into the Mercer Co. Bowling Hall of Fame in 2012.

As "Coach Rossi," Pie had the opportunity to impact the lives of many ball players and bowlers throughout the Shenango Valley. His passion for youth sports compelled him to organize the first local youth T-Ball league held at Wengler and Thorton Fields in the early 1990s.

A devoted husband, dedicated father, and adored Papa, he dedicated his life to caring for his family, friends, and community.

His beloved wife of 50 years, Susan (Secovitch) Rossi, whom he met March 28, 1974, and married November 9th of the same year, survives at their home in Sharon.

Pie is also survived by a daughter, Genna Zelinsky (Frank), Farrell; two sons, Geno Rossi (Lisa), Sharon, and Giovanni Rossi (Sarah Scott), Hermitage; six grandchildren, Collin and Garett Zelinsky, Geno and Enzo Rossi, and Giovanni, Jr. and Emmi Rossi; three great-grandchildren, Luna, Rosalie, and Carter; a Godson, Nick Pellis (Tina); two sisters-in-law, Andrea (Billak) Rossi and Jeanne Litman; three nephews and a niece, Samuel Rossi, III, Corry Buto (Rick), Johnny Litman, and Jimmy Litman; former daughter-in-law, Sarah Rossi; his loving cousins; thousands of friends; and his loyal employees.

In addition to his parents, Pie was preceded in death by a brother, Samuel J. Rossi, Jr.; an infant sister, Anna Marie; his mother-in-law, Pauline Secovitch; paternal grandparents, Anthony and Anna Rossi; maternal grandparents, Domeni and Lucia Pellis (Pellicci); and his niece, Adrienne (Litman) Toth.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Adrienne's Army, C/O Community foundation of Western PA, 7 W State St,
Sharon, PA 16146.

Calling hours will be 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday (8-4-24) in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Monday (8-5-24) in Our Lady of Fatima Church, 601 Roemer Blvd., Farrell, with Rev. Glenn Whitman, as celebrant.

Military honors will be rendered by the Wheatland AL and West Middlesex VFW Honor Guard.

Interment: St. Anthony Cemetery, Hermitage.