Poland - There will be a Mass of Christian Burial held on Monday, November 30, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Luke Church, Boardman with Father Nicholas Shori officiating preceded by a 9:45 a.m. prayer service held at the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4700 Market St., Boardman for Berardino "Ben" Rossi, 95, of Poland, who peacefully passed away in his sleep early Thursday morning, November 26, 2015. Ben will always be remembered and loved by his family and friends for his infectious smile, his love of family, his compassion for others, and his service to his country. Thanksgiving was such an appropriate day for him to be called "home" because he was so grateful for every blessing in his life. "A sunset on earth is a sunrise in heaven!" He was born February 18, 1920 in Bagnoli del Trigno, Isernia, Italy, and moved to Detroit Michigan in 1936, and then to the Youngstown area. Ben was the son of Pietro and Vincenza Rossi. Ben was a proud United States Army Veteran of World War II. He earned the rank of Sergeant and served in battles in Northern France, Rhineland, and Central Europe with the Medical Detachment 71st Infantry. Ben was awarded the following decorations for his courageous service to our country; the European African Middle Eastern Theater Medal with 3 Bronze Stars, the American Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Bronze Star Medal. He received an Honorable Discharge on October 21, 1946. Ben worked hard his entire life! He was honest, dedicated, and incredibly talented. Ben was employed with the Ford Motor Company as an auto mechanic while living in Michigan. Upon moving to Youngstown, he helped manage Santucci South Way Service, alongside his brother-in-law, and retired from there in 1978. After retirement, he continued to bless others with his carpentry, engineering, and mechanical skills. Ben was a member of St. Luke Church, where he volunteered in numerous activities and was a proud member of the Men's Bagnolesi Club, where he served as a Trustee for over 12 years. Additionally, Ben was a member of the Arco Club, where he not only played bocce but also served as a "chef" for their weekly meetings. Ben had many passions and accomplishments throughout his life. First and foremost, he was always so proud of his family, who were his first priority! Furthermore, Ben enjoyed gardening, wine making, playing poker with his friends, and playing bocce at the Arco Club. Ben was a true "Mr. Fix It"! He was always willing to help anyone in need. He loved solving problems and was ready and willing to help in any situation. His ingenuity and heart for others really impacted countless people in this community. "Well done good and faithful servant!" Ben leaves behind to hold on to his precious memories, his beloved wife of over 70 years, the former Ida Santucci whom he married August 11, 1945, two children Dennis (Cindy) Rossi of North Carolina and Carol (Richard) Craven of Boardman, three grandchildren Kristyn Singleton of Canfield, Atty. Richard (Amanda) Craven of Columbus, and Shawn Rossi of San Diego, California, and five great-grandchildren David, Matthew and Hailey Singleton, and Lexi and Aubrey Craven. Besides his parents, Ben was preceded in death by a sister and brother-in-law Anna (Carl) Santucci. Friends may call on Sunday, November 29, 2015 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4700 Market St., Boardman. Burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery, Youngstown with full military honors provided for Ben by the great men of the VFW Post 9571. In lieu of flowers, material contributions may be made in Ben's name to either St. Luke Church, 5235 South Ave., Boardman Ohio 44512 or to Hospice House, 9803 Sharrott Rd., Poland Ohio 44514. Family and friends may visit www.rossisantuccifh.com to view this obituary, sign the guest book, and send condolences to the Rossi family.

Funeral Service on Monday with prayers at 9:45 am at Funeral Home and Mass at St. Luke Church at 10:30 am