The following was written by my father:

My grandfather, James Rossi, was the son of Italian immigrants.  He grew up on a farm in Texas and, at the age of 18, enlisted in the military to serve his country during World War II.  He was a decorated soldier and even survived his plane being shot down over the English Channel.  After the war, he met and married my grandmother.  They had 2 daughters, one of which is my mother.  My grandfather passed away at the early age of 50, but the impact he had on my life continues today.