Jesse L. Rozelle

ONEONTA – “I’m so young and you’re so old, this, my darling I’ve been told. You and I will be as free, as the birds up in the trees. Thrills I get when you hold me close, oh my darling you’re the most. Oh my darling, oh my lover, there will never be another. I Love you with all my heart it’s been that way right from the start.” Lyrics taken in part from “Diana” by Paul Anka.

Jesse L. Rozelle passed away peacefully, Friday, March 20, 2015 at home surrounded by his loving family, 1 week shy of his 80th birthday.

Jesse was born March 28, 1935 in Lisle, NY, the son of Lula and Kennard Rozelle. He was a graduate of Whitney Point Central School and the Fort Monmouth School of Photography.

Jesse was married to Nancy Smith on May 25, 1957 in Trachsville, PA. Who could have guessed that a chance encounter in a snow bank would lead to an amazing 57 year loving marriage. While serving in the US Army during the Korean Conflict the newlyweds lived in Long Branch, NJ. Upon his return from Korea, he worked at General Electric in Johnson City as a photographer.

Jesse was the proud father of three daughters and one son, Debra Allen (Jeff), Denise Erbe (Marc Spaziani), Paul Rozelle (Patty) and Lori Hart (Jim). The family lived in Whitney Point.

While in Whitney Point, Jesse was a member of the Whitney Point United Methodist Church where he served as a Sunday School Teacher and SS Superintendent and a member of the Parish Pastor Relation Committee.

Jesse was also a Boy Scout leader in Whitney Point. The family then relocated to Morris when Jesse worked as a photographer for SUNY Oneonta. He was a member of the Morris U.M.C. Jesse moved to Oneonta and retired from Amphenol after 20 years of service. Jesse was a member of the National Photographers Association and the International Association of Machinist Aerospace Workers. Throughout his entire life, Jesse provided service to his country, his community and most importantly his family. He was the sole caretaker and best friend of his loving wife, Nancy for the past 20 years as she battles MS. No-one realized how much effort this required until Jesse became ill, as these tasks are now being performed by 4 children, their spouses and grandson, Zach Erbe on a full time basis.

Jesse was predeceased by his parents, one brother, Edward Rozelle and one brother-in-law, Stanley Harper. He is survived by sister-in-law, Gertrude Rozelle, his sister, Josephine and Howard Sprague, brother, Ivan and Edith Rozelle and sister, Sandy Harper.

For the last 20 years, Jesse and Nancy were snowbirds spending the winters in Fort Myers Beach, FL.

Jesse was the grandpa and Papa Boogie to 5 grandchildren, his namesake, Jessica Allen-Karn, Paul Rozelle, Jodi Allen Olivieri, Jennifer Allen and his special buddy, Zach Erbe. Jesse is also survived by 5 great grandchildren, Brayden Karn, Liam and Jackson Olivieri and Autumn and Summerlin Rozelle. He is also survived by special nieces and nephews.

Jesse was an avid New York Yankees fan and attended the game when Mariano Riviera retired. Jesse loved playing board games and cards with Nancy and the family and usually won. He spent hours at the pool while in Florida. He enjoyed going out to eat at local restaurants and always had a joke to tell. His favorite flowers were pansies.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, March 24, 2015 in the Bookhout Funeral Home, 357 Main Street, Oneonta from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. A Service to Celebrate the Life of Jesse L. Rozelle will be held on Wednesday, March 25, 2015 at 1:00 PM in the funeral home with the Reverend Sylvia Barrett Pastor of the Portlandville U.M.C. officiating. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Catskill Area Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. or to the local chapter of the American Cancer Society or the local chapter of the National M.S. Society.

The family wishes to extend a gracious Thank You to Lisa Schmitz from Hospice for her loving care.

To light a candle or send an online condolence please visit www.bookhoutfuneralhome.com

Funeral arrangements are by the Bookhout Funeral Home of Oneonta.