Gerald Robert Rossi's Obituary
Gerald Robert Rossi, 95, of Collierville, Tennessee passed away at Baptist Memorial Hospital - Collierville on March 11, 2026. The youngest of 5 children, he was born to Paul and Lucy Rossi on January 7, 1931 in Brooklyn, New York. Jerry was a graduate of PS17 high school in Brooklyn and the prestigious City College of New York where he majored in business and math. Throughout his school years, he loved music and excelled as a trumpet player. He was also a champion billiard and ping-pong player.
He joined the Air Force during the Korean War, and while serving, he met the love of his life Polly, marrying her on May 31, 1955. During the early years of marriage, Jerry, along with 3 friends, formed a doo-wop singing group in New York City, calling themselves The Four Chaps. They were a brief hit, opening for headliners like Eartha Kitt around the city club scene. They would be managed by Sammy Davis Sr. and were signed by RAMA Records, cutting two singles "Foolish little Butterfly" and "Completely Yours" in 1956. Jerry began working for Hess Oil Company in New York as a risk manager. After a successful few years there, he decided to take his family to Memphis, to be near his wife's family. Shortly after moving to Memphis, he began an extremely successful career as a corporate insurance broker with EH Crump. In his free time throughout his working years, he enjoyed playing golf, as a member of Colonial Country Club, racquetball, as a club champion, and all sports, especially Memphis Tiger basketball, as a season ticket holder since 1974. He was a parishioner of St. Ann Catholic Church in Bartlett, Tennessee. Upon retirement in 1995, Jerry loved to travel, especially to Ft. Walton Beach and Destin, where he made a second home. He also had a passion for giving back to the community and love his 12-year volunteer work at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. He was a proud, platelet donor at St. Jude as well.
Throughout his life, he was completely devoted to his family and friends. Blessed with a magnetic personality and a quick wit, Jerry made a positive impression on everyone he encountered and saying he will be sorely missed is a mountainous understatement.
He was the Patriarch of his family and the best husband, father and grandfather anyone could ever imagine. His family and friends will cherish him forever. He was preceded in death by his daughter Linda Thompson (Rex). He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Polly, his son and best friend Mike (Stephanie), 4 grandchildren, Brooke Wright, Michael Rossi, Robin Thompson and Randy Thompson and 5 great grandchildren.
There will be a visitation on Friday, March 20, 2026 at 1:00 pm followed by a Celebration of Life service beginning at 2:00 p.m. at Memorial Park Funeral Home.
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