World War II veteran John Rossato honored for his service

John Rossato, among the one percent of the remaining World War II veterans, received a plaque in tribute to his many years of service to the Roscoe community and to VFW Post 2955.

On Sunday afternoon, October 27, 2024, Post Commander Bill Graves, VFW members and auxiliary presented John, age 97, with the plaque during a ceremony held at the Roscoe VFW, 11385 2nd Street in Roscoe, Illinois.

John Rossato was born in Rockford, Illinois in 1927. After finishing high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy.

John served as a Seabee in Okinawa. 

He returned home and married his sweetheart, Marilyn. John and Marilyn raised three children: John, Debbie and Nancy.

John joined the Navy National Guard when the Korean War began. He served in the United States, re-conditioning ships.

He was honorably discharged in 1953.

When John returned home, he joined Roscoe VFW Post 2955. He played many roles as a post member. He was a member of the VFW Honor Guard, served as Quartermaster, and as All-State Post Commander. 2014-2017.

Family members including his son, John, attended the ceremony. “I couldn’t be prouder of my father.” John said. “He has always been there for people when they needed help.

I am very grateful that he is my dad.”

For many years, John has placed a wreath in the river at Riverside Park in Roscoe, during a December 7 ceremony commemorating those that lost their lives during the attack on Pearl Harbor.

John has some health issues this year and has slowed down a bit. But his son said his dad would be there again this year, if at all possible.