Peter Louis Rossi

Peter Louis Rossi, of Albany, passed away on August 15th, 2025, at the age of 88, with family by his side.

Born on January 6, 1937, to the late Frank and Rose (Neri) Rossi, Pete grew up helping at his family’s restaurant, Alteri’s, in Selkirk. Those early years instilled in him a love of food, community, and hard work that became a lifelong passion.

Pete began his professional journey in food service and built a remarkable career spanning more than five decades. He served as Albany Medical Associate Food Director for 18 years, Director of Nutrition at St. Peter’s Hospital for 18 years, and Food Service Director at Ann Lee Nursing Home for 9 years. He concluded his career working in food service at Shaker High School for 17 years before retiring. Along the way, Pete earned his Bachelor of Professional Studies from SUNY in 1979.

His career was never just about food—it was about people. Pete was a natural leader and a gifted connector, making fast friends among his colleagues and staff. At St. Peter’s, he became part of a close-knit management team with Mike Shannon, Charlie Hagstrand, Bill Riley, Ron Pope, Mike Antonio, and Mike Skelley, friendships that lasted a lifetime. He brought energy and joy to the workplace, whether chairing fundraisers, helping stage two “Gong Show” performances by St. Peter’s employees, or organizing a major benefit that brought Bob Hope to perform at the RPI Fieldhouse to a packed audience.

Family was at the center of Pete’s life. He shared 45 years of marriage with his first wife, the late Colleen (Churchill) Rossi. Later, he found love again with his wife Brenda (Lepore) Rossi, with whom he shared 15 years together, 10 of them married. Pete and Brenda especially cherished their time traveling to Maine, where they made countless memories together.

Pete is survived by his children: Dee Marie Rossi (Fallati) and Pete (Julie) Rossi; and his stepchildren: Meghan Malone (Alia Scheilding), Kelly (Jason) McMahon, and John (Marissa) Malone. He was a proud grandfather to Anthony (Sarah) Fallati, Morgan Fallati, Mia Fallati, Peter Rossi (Allycia Woodruff), Chelsea Rossi (Chris Yanchoris), Lilian and Nicholas Sturgis, Hunter McMahon, Henry and Jack Malone.

He also leaves behind his siblings, Felice Magaldino, Frank Rossi, and Diana (James) Frangella; his lifelong friends, Tom and Ann McCarville; his mother in law Rosemary Haner, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Pete’s life was filled with love, laughter, and service to others. As he himself once said:

“In my life I met and knew a lot of people! I feel God put me here to do a certain task. If you met me and I made you laugh, then my job was accomplished.”

At Pete’s request, there will be no public service. Donations in his memory may be made to the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society.