Obituary of Dominick Rosa Jr.

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Dominick Rosa Jr. passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Friday, September 6th, 2024. He was 85 years old. Dominick, also known as “Junior” was born on May 22nd 1939 in Stamford Connecticut to the late Dominick and Carrie (Benvenuto) Rosa. He is predeceased by his loving wife Rose Marie (Thompson) and daughter Lori (Rosa) Schutte. Growing up, Dom’s love for collecting toy cars grew into his passion for collecting classic vehicles which lead to him purchasing his gas station at the age of 19 on June 13, 1958. Dom was known to be one of the youngest business owners in Stamford. 351 Hope Street, formally known as “Dom’s Service Station” now “Rosa’s Mini Mart” was not only his place of work but a clubhouse for all of his friends to hang out, drink coffee, and “shoot the breeze” on a daily basis. His love for the holidays, especially Christmas was shown in many ways. He loved selling Christmas trees for 66 years with his friend Nicky. His holiday cheer and the Joy on his face while watching families and generations coming back year after year for their Christmas tree, was priceless. His gas station was not only his prized possession but a therapy for him when he suffered many tragic losses in his life. He knew everyone that came into that gas station, many who became lifelong friends. 

The only thing he loved more than his gas station was his family. He is survived by his children Dominick Rosa III and wife Michelle, Michael Rosa and wife Joanne, Leigh Ann Capomolla, and son-in-law Keith Schutte husband of the late Lori Schutte. He was known to his grandchildren, and so many others as “Poppi”, and they were the apple of his eye; Jessica (Matt), Avery, Rosie (Tim), Nolan, Nathan, and great grandson Avery. He also loved his furry great grand pup, Penny. He is also survived by his brother John Rosa and wife Carole of Ridgefield, sister Lucy McQuillan of West Palm Beach, Florida, his sister-in-law Mary Kellam and brother-in-law Bobby Thompson and many nieces and nephews. 

Dominick will be remembered for his amazing ability to make an instant connection with anyone he met. His smile said it all. His unconditional selflessness drove him to be the incredible man that he was. 

The Rosa family will receive friends at Hoyt Funeral Home on Monday, September 9, 2024, from 4-8pm.  The Funeral Mass will be at St. Aloysius Church on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at 10am with the entombment to follow at Lakeview Cemetery.