Joseph L Rossetti

Joseph L Rossetti, 80, of Worcester, passed away peacefully October 9^th, 2018, surrounded by his loving family. 

Joe was born on May 8^th, 1938, in Worcester, the son of Louis J. and Aurelia (Zamarro) Rossetti.  Raised in the Italian section of Worcester, Shrewsbury street, he graduated from Worcester public schools and earned his bachelor’s degree in pharmaceutical studies from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, class of 1961 at the Boston Campus.  Upon graduation Joseph began his professional career alongside his father, Louis, uncle Remus and aunt Velia DiStefano at Boulevard Pharmacy on Shrewsbury St.  they were later joined by his sister Geraldine.  Over the years Geraldine and Joe, evolved the business to become Boulevard Compounding.   His career in Pharmaceutical service spanned over 57 years.   Joe loved what he did.  He was an innovator pharmacist, changing the concept of the business over the years, leading him to his present specialty as a Compounding Pharmacy.   His philosophy was that he received his inspiration, knowing that the pharmacy helped so many people’s medical needs who were not met with standard manufactured medications from retail pharmacies.  Joe was respected by his peers, doctors and patients for his knowledge and wisdom. 

He is survived by his sister and best friend, Geraldine (Rossetti) Arakelian and her husband Robert; his daughters, Jean LaBreck and Deborah Rossetti; his grandchildren, Marisa Rossetti in California, Joseph LaConte in Boston, Shelby LaConte, Alexandra Buduo, Andrew and Paul Labreck all of Worcester; Nieces, nephews, extended family members, many friends and customers who loved him dearly.   He joins in heaven, his daughter, Susan Heney who passed away in 2014, his father Louis J. and his mother who notably passed away on the same day, October 9^th in 2000.    

Joseph left an excellent reputation as a compounding pharmacist receiving numerous awards for his professional expertise.  He was a member of the PCCA (Professional Compounding Center of America), the International Academy of Compounding Pharmacists, the American Society of Consulting Pharmacists, a member of the board of directors of the Massachusetts State Pharmaceutical Association

And numerous other pharmaceutical organizations.   In 1998, Joseph was recognized by the Dupont Corporation and Massachusetts State Pharmacy Association as an innovative Pharmacist of the year.  In 2004, recognized by the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences for his contribution and education in Clinical practice to the students of the MCPHS.    In 2012, the Columbus Day Committee awarded his man of the year and grand marshall of its parade.   He was also a member of Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church, and especially the effort to save the church through the Preservation Society.   

Joe loved socializing with his friends, especially a fixture at the LaScala on Shrewsbury st, sharing special dinners, lively talk and especially enjoyed when his grandchildren joined him.  Joe loved to cook and the trips to Providence and its specialty markets with his friend Tommy.  

Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family Friday, October 12^th, 2018 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St.   His Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, October 13^th at 9:30 am in St Anne’s Church, 130 Boston Turnpike Rd, Shrewsbury (Please go directly to church).  Burial will follow in St John Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers memorial remembrances in his name can be made to the Mt Carmel Preservation Society, 146 Morningside Rd, Worcester 01602.

The family would like to thank the Dana-Farber Cancer institute in Milford, the Milford Hospital and the University of Massachusetts Hospital 3^rd FL ICU, notably Dr Howard Sachs, for the care, comfort and compassion Joe received during a difficult time.