Hornell, New York

Thomas R. “Tom” Roselli – 80 – of John St., Hornell, died Monday morning (September 1, 2025) at Strong Memorial Hospital, following a lengthy illness.

Born in Hornell on June 28, 1945, he was the son of the late Charles & Helen (Eveland) Roselli.

Tom, affectionately known as “The Rock,” grew up in Hornell and attended Hornell High School.  In 1962, he enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served his country for four years on active duty.  He served on three different Aircraft Carriers, CVA 38 USS Shangri-La, 11 USS Intrepid, and CVA 60 USS Saratoga as Squadron Parachute Rigger.  Tom visited 10 different countries and 25 ports of call and islands.  He also served on Ship to Shore and was on Shore Patrol in 7 of those countries.  While on Shore Patrol, Tom rescued and saved the life of a badly injured sailor in St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands.  In addition, he was Squadron Records Officer and Safety Training PO for 14 Navy pilots in Attack Squadron VA-46 and taught cockpit evacuations.  Tom was highly recommended for reenlistment and rank advancement.  He was honorably discharged in 1966.

Returning to Hornell in 1966, Tom began his career as a plumber / pipefitter with Local 13 out of Rochester, NY.  Over the years, he held the position of foreman, superintendent, and earned the title of Master Plumber.  He was in the plumbing business for over thirty years and cherished the time he spent working alongside his father in the family business, Roselli Plumbing Supply.  In addition, Tom owned and operated Tommy’s Tavern in Hornell from 1975 – 1979.

Tom was a devout Catholic and lifelong communicant of St. Ann’s Church at Our Lady of the Valley Parish in Hornell.  He tended to the church’s beautiful Rose Garden for over 22 years, which contained 78 rose bushes.  Tom also enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially at his hunting cabin, Rock Haven, in Allegany County.  He was a member of the Hornell Knights of Columbus, the Hornell Elks Lodge, and past Commander of the American Legion Post 440 in Hornell.

Tom was an established YouTube content creator and has over 200 harmonica videos available for your enjoyment.  His page, @Rocktrr, can be found here: http://www.youtube.com/@Rocktrr.

He was married for over 56 years to the former Kathleen “Kathy” Mooney who died October 24, 2024.  In addition to his parents, he was also predeceased by one daughter, Renee Roselli Curry; one brother, Charles Roselli, Jr.

Tom is survived by one son, Mitchell (Lin) Roselli of Phelps, NY; one daughter, Maria (Keith) Trusky of The Villages, FL; 3 grandsons, Wyatt Roselli, Seth Trusky, & Christopher Curry; one brother, Frank Roselli of Hornell, NY; several nieces, nephews, & cousins.

To honor Tom’s wishes, there will be no calling hours.  Family & friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church, 35 Erie Avenue, Hornell, NY.    Tom’s family would be honored if you sign the guest register book before Mass.  Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Funeral services will be live streamed and can be viewed on YouTube @PeishTV or by visiting www.facebook.com/dagonfuneralhome.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral home, 38 Church Street, Hornell, NY.

In lieu of flowers, Tom’s family requests that memorial contributions in his name be made to The American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741 or by visiting https://www.cancer.org.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, please visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.