Ohio Room renamed in recognition of gift from local attorney
The Youngstown State University Foundation announces the creation of the Atty. Daniel L. Rossi Scholarship to benefit full-time students at YSU.
Atty. Rossi established the scholarship with a $300,000 gift. In turn, the name of the Ohio Room in Kilcawley Center will be changed to the Attorney Daniel L. Rossi Room.
“The scholarship for YSU students represents one of the core values of what we believe is so important: Education,” the Rossi family said. “Daniel is honored to contribute to the education of our future leaders.”
Rossi, 94, is a lifelong resident of Youngstown and attended the former Madison Elementary School and East High School. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the Navy and served in World War II. After he was discharged, and with the assistance of the Serviceman Readjustment Act of 1944, the G.I. Bill, Rossi enrolled in Youngstown College (now YSU) and later studied at Ohio Northern University to pursue his law degree.
Upon graduation, he returned to Youngstown to practice law. He met his wife, the former Mary Rossvanes, and they had five children, eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. In 1952, he founded the Rossi law firm. He practiced law for over 60 years, and prior to retiring, successfully tried his final jury case at the age of 81. His son, Gregg, now operates the family law practice, Rossi & Rossi.
Rossi always honored his parents, August Rossi and Augusta (née Mastrantonio), who both emigrated to the United States from Italy. After August became a U.S. citizen, he was drafted into the Army and served in World War I as part of the American Expeditionary Force that fought against the German Army in the Argonne Forest in France. Rossi says that he is grateful for his father, instilling a solid work ethic and unwavering American pride in him. He still has his father’s helmet.
The YSU Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization committed to creating and expanding educational opportunities for YSU students.