NORTH SMITHFIELD – Efforts to honor a former North Smithfield High School student who died last month in a tragic accident will continue in the coming months, with a new memorial in his honor to be placed on the school grounds.
Joseph Rossi died following a motorcycle accident in Woonsocket on Saturday, August 24 at the age of 20. A former student athlete, Rossi is remembered by friends, family and the larger community for his warm and friendly nature.
“The biggest thing about Joe is he was always happy for everyone else,” said Catherine Reyes, who served as Rossi’s track coach for four years, and said she watched him encourage his classmates. “When they were successful, he was happy for them.”
The school held a vigil following the tragedy, and in recent weeks, student Kailey Salinaro has joined members of the charitable organization Kenny’s Coalition in an effort to create a scholarship in Rossi’s memory. Salinaro is now helping to raise funds as part of her senior project at NSHS and, with community support, the Joe Rossi Memorial Scholarship Fund will soon benefit a graduating senior.
Rossi’s friends and family gathered at the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 24 to hear the announcement of the scholarship
“I want to thank all of you for your help in keeping Joe’s legacy alive in North Smithfield,” said April Lombardi, president of Kenny’s Coalition.
“If there’s anyone who’s deserving of having an award named after him it was definitely Joe Rossi,” said Reyes. “He was just a wonderful young man. I think he’s deserving of having anything in his honor.”
The 2022 graduate and captain of the track team won two athletic awards as a high school senior, including one for helping younger athletes.
School Committee Chairman James Lombardi noted that Rossi, who would have turned 21 last week, was in an apprentice program to become an electrician.
“When I went to the vigil I learned that Joe impacted many lives,” the chairman said. “I knew Joe to be hardworking, respectful and a person that you felt comfortable around.”
Supt. Michael St. Jean said that the chairman asked him if there was something more that could be done to help remember the young man’s impact. Noting the Rossi loved the outdoors, St. Jean said a granite or bronze memorial will be placed behind the high school campus in a space by a small group of trees.
“It’s pretty much in the center of the campus,” St. Jean said.
School Committee members unanimously approved the initiative.
“I think that is a wonderful legacy for someone who is so sorely missed by his family his friends, and the community as a whole,” said member Jean Meo. “I think that’s a wonderful way to memorialize it.”
“It’s a beautiful spot,” agreed member Terri Bartomioli.
Salinaro and others helping with the scholarship effort will be at the Artisan Fair at the Beef Barn Restaurant on Saturday, Oct. 5 with raffles and a silent auction to raise funds for the program. Those who would like to donate are asked to email [email protected].
