Joseph Rosso
By Ron Hayes
SOUTH PALM BEACH — Thirty-five years ago, Joseph Rosso started a small paving and drainage company in Lake Worth.
At the time of his death on Aug. 1, Rosso Paving & Draining Inc. was doing about $6 million in business each year, including road reconstruction along Avenue A in Lake Worth and a taxiway at Palm Beach International Airport.
Mr. Rosso was 82 and had lived in South Palm Beach since 2002.
“Dad was from the old school,” recalls his daughter, Nancy, who now runs the business with her brother, Joseph. “He taught us how to conduct business, and how to be fair and always do a great job. He was trustworthy. He taught us how to treat people.”
Joseph A. Rosso was born in Bronx, N.Y., on Jan. 10, 1930, and served with the U.S. Army in Korea from 1951-53.
“He was very proud to have honored his country through his service,” his daughter said. “He was proud to be an American.”
Mr. Rosso was married for 53 years to his wife, Irja, whom he met in Somers, N.Y., where the couple raised their family. She preceded him in death, as did a daughter, Wendy.
Moving to Lake Worth in 1969, Mr. Rosso worked in the construction field until 1977, when he founded the company, which he ran until his retirement in 1994.
“My brother and I purchased it from him and moved the business to West Palm Beach,” Nancy Rosso said, “but he was still always helping us out.”
A Rotarian and an avid golfer, Mr. Rosso was a member of Palm Beach National Golf Club in Lake Worth.
He is survived by his daughter Nancy and son, Joseph II; a daughter-in-law, Janet; nine grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
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