Obituary of Franklin H. Roosa

Franklin Harrison Roosa of Wurtsboro, a self-employed carpenter and lifelong resident of the area, passed away on Friday, June 12, 2020 at the Orange Regional Medical Center in Middletown. 

The son of the late Harrison Roosa and Alice Olcott Roosa, he was born April 30, 1934 in Monticello.

Frank was a proud veteran of the United States Army serving with the 82^nd Airborne.  He was a member of the Mamakating American Legion and was a 68-year member of the Wurtsboro Fire Dept., serving as an honorary chief. Frank was well regarded throughout the community, a friend to many, and someone on whom others could count upon in any situation. He spent countless hours helping people and many organizations of the area over decades. When the Mamakating Little League was formed, he helped build the field.  When a pedestrian bridge was needed for the first Roosa Gap Roller Coaster Run, Frank built them a foot bridge. He helped to build the original Wurtsboro Star that overlooks our village each Christmas. He also helped to build the current Wurtsboro Fire House. He restored both the antique Sanford fire truck and Model T as a gift to the Fire Department. He saved what is now the Mamakating Historical Society from complete decay and disrepair. He would bring meals to shut-ins. Frank was well known for performing countless repairs to people’s homes and “forgetting” to send a bill because he knew they couldn’t afford it. Frank could always be counted on and would drop everything to help anyone in need. Whatever he did, he did it quietly, without calling attention to himself.  To him, it was about helping someone in need and not the recognition for what he did. His craftsmanship can still be found on most of the older buildings in town. He was a lover of all animals, and even despite his difficulties getting around later in life, would always make sure that the hummingbirds had food and his chickens were well fed. He could befriend anybody and would often strike up a conversation with complete strangers. Frank put a smile on the face of everybody he met and always had a great story to tell. He was famous for passing out tootsie-pops wherever he went. The impact Frank has had on the community will continue to live on in the numerous lives he has touched throughout his years, both directly and indirectly. He will be truly missed. The family would also like to thank Dr. D. Shah, Dr. R. Dinsmore, and Dr. W. Gotsis for their continued care for Frank throughout the years.

Survivors include his wife of 28 years: Linda Paes Roosa, at home; three sons: Franklin Roosa II, Larry Roosa & his wife Janine, and Michael Roosa; three grandchildren: Zachary, Preston and Jovi; a sister, Marie Woodruff; and several nieces and nephews.  In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his siblings: Birdsall, Elmer, Audrey, Isabella, Lorraine and Mardell.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 16 from 4 to 7pm at the VanInwegen-Kenny Funeral Home, 111 Sullivan Street in Wurtsboro.  His funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, June 17 at 10:30am at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 180 Sullivan Street with Fr. Peter Madori officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at the Sylvan Cemetery in Wurtsboro.  Due to the current health crisis, social distancing guidelines must be met - a limited number of people at one time will be allowed in the funeral home and at the church, and facemasks are required. 

Memorial contributions can be made to the Wurtsboro Fire Dept., P.O. Box 457, Wurtsboro, NY  12790.

Arrangements under the direction of the VanInwegen-Kenny, Inc. Funeral Home of Wurtsboro. For additional information or to send an online condolence, please visit HYPERLINK "http://www.kennyfuneralhome.com"www.kennyfuneralhome.com .