Franklin Wilson Rossiter

Franklin W. Rossiter, 97, passed away on Saturday, November 11, 2023 at Spring Mill Assisted Living, Phoenixville, PA. He was the devoted husband of the late Claire Jean Rossiter with whom he shared 42 years of marriage. Mr. Rossiter had the honor of caring for his wife until her passing in late 2015.

Born on October 16, 1926 in Phoenixville, he was the son of the late Samuel Wilson and Anna Catherine Rossiter. He remained in Phoenixville for 45 years until he married Claire and they took up residence in Downingtown. Mr. Rossiter is survived by his three children Kathryn J. Kappel, wife of Walter H. Kappel, Jr., Barry Rossiter, Terence (Terry) Rossiter, husband of Hong, stepson Paul Schade, husband of Laurie; half-brothers Charles Rossiter, Tim Rossiter, half-sisters Geraldine Ebinger and Dorothy Roberts; 11 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

He graduated from Phoenixville High School in 1944 and attended Pennsylvania Military College and Ursinus Evening School. He enlisted in the U.S. Army at age 17 and served proudly and honorably during World War II in the Philippine Islands in the Pacific Theatre of Operations. He was a combat decorated Veteran and was awarded the Philippine Liberation Independence Medal along with other medals. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Mr. Rossiter worked for Bell Atlantic for 38 years and retired in 1985 as Outside Plant Engineering Manager. Following retirement, he worked as an engineering consultant for Henkles and McCoy Inc. of Blue Ball. Mr. Rossiter was a volunteer tax counselor in the AARP/IRS tax aide program in Downingtown for nine years, assisting the elderly with their income taxes.

Mr. Rossiter enjoyed sports and was active in the YMCA Church Softball and Volleyball Leagues for many years. He was a member and past president of the Kimberton Lions Club, and a member of the Kimberton Area Youth Athletic League. He was also a member of the Chester County Hospital Cancer Survivors for many years and a member of the Hopewell United Methodist Church.

Services will be private.