LODD - Port Dickinson, Broome Co, NY

[50-65 205]

Been away for a few days and just now getting the chance to post this. He was a friend of my brother.

Aldo Anthony Rossi Jr.

Aldo Anthony Rossi Jr.

"BIG AL"

of Binghamton

Aldo A. Rossi Jr., 42, died July 27, 2008 in the line of duty in Port Dickinson while serving the community. Aldo was born on February 12, 1966. He was predeceased by his mother, Sheila in 1997. Aldo is survived by his loving wife, Renee' (Willerton) Rossi; his father, Aldo Rossi Sr., Ariz.; two sisters, Aldeana Rossi, Nev., Sherry Rossi, Binghamton; three brothers and two sisters-in-law, Rick Rossi, Binghamton, Jason and Christina Rossi, Nichols, N.Y., Michael and Andrea Rossi, Candor, N.Y.; father-in-law, Ken Willerton, Binghamton; mother-in-law, Marie Bundy, Binghamton; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Rory and Justin Broome, N.C., Rachel and Will Baumgartner, Binghamton; and Maggie Bundy; special aunt and uncle, Rikki and Leonard Robilotti; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins; also his special friend who he held dear to his heart, his dedicated employee, George Harris. Aldo was a graduate of Binghamton High School and the Otsego County Law Enforcement Academy. He was employed by the Port Dickinson and Deposit Police Departments. Aldo received a Citation for his work in narcotics investigations. He was also the proud owner of Budget Auto Glass in Binghamton and Ft. Myers, Fla. On Sunday, July 27th Renee' and Aldo's families lives were changed forever. Aldo was the most dedicated and loving husband, son, brother, friend and Police Officer. His love of life and willingness to help anyone in need were qualities that endeared him to anyone who met or knew him. There was never a person Aldo ever met that has not walked away with a warm feeling about who he was as a person. On Tuesday, July 29, 2008, Renee' walked with Aldo to his last act of heroism in donating his organs so that his big heart will continue to beat on this earth. Ciao.

Funeral Services will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 2, 2008, at St. Mary of the Assumption with Fr. Daniel M. Caruso officiating. The family will welcome friends at the Savage Funeral Home, 338-344 Conklin Ave., Binghamton, N.Y. 13903, Friday, August 1, 2008, from 1 to 5 p.m. Interment with Full Honors will be in Calvary Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.savagefs.com.

A Port Dickinson police officer who was hit by a drunk driver while standing outside his patrol car Sunday has died, the Broome County Sheriff's Office said this morning.

OAS_AD('ArticleFlex_1');Aldo Rossi, 42, died late Sunday night. While no formal cause of death has been issued, he sustained leg and head trauma in the crash.

Rossi was waiting for a Department of Transportation crew to remove a tree that had fallen across Route 7 in the village, according to information from the Broome County Sheriff's Office. At about 3:30 a.m. Sunday, a car pulled over on the shoulder, and Rossi walked over to talk with people inside it. A second vehicle crashed into the parked car and struck Rossi, according to the sheriff's office report.

Police filed multiple charges against the driver of the second vehicle, who was identified as Patrick J. Fitzgerald, 30, of Center Street in the Town of Fenton. He was charged with second-degree vehicular assault, a felony, and driving while intoxicated, a misdemeanor.

Fitzgerald is a bartender at the Relief Pitcher in Binghamton, but police said they didn't know yet whether he was working that night or had stopped somewhere else on the way home.

Port Dickinson Mayor Kevin Burke said Rossi had been a part-time patrolman with the village since April 2007 and also worked for the Village of Deposit. He had befriended many residents and fellow police officers because of his outgoing nature, Burke said. Rossi was also a Binghamton businessman and owned Budget Auto Glass.

"He loved to talk with people. He knew people's names. He helped people," said Burke, who also recalled when Rossi recently took an elderly lady's arm and helped her across the street while directing traffic for a funeral. "People here are very fond of him."

A Critical Incident Team, including New York state troopers and City of Binghamton police, filled in for Port Dickinson police who visited Rossi at the hospital, Burke said. They also provided counseling for police on coping with the traumatic event and staying tuned in to their jobs.

"The message is, this is an emotional time. Look after yourself, and don't let your guard down," Burke said.

Fitzgerald was arraigned in the Town of Dickinson court and remanded to the Broome County Jail. Police haven't yet released his blood alcohol content or determined the speed he was traveling.

Fitzgerald and the unidentified occupants of the second vehicle were not injured, according to police.

The accident is still under investigation.

Edited August 1, 2008 by 50-65