“Tough ‘Ombre” John “Jake” Raymond Rossick, Chevalier, 88, died April 7 at the Connecticut Hospice, Branford, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was the husband of Evelyn Narkoff Rossick.  Born August 7, 1922 and baptized Ja`n Racik at Saint Anthony of Padua Slovak Roman Catholic Church, Jake was the eldest son of the late George J. and Anna C. Jorda Rossick, formerly of Larksville, Pennsylvania. 

Upon graduation from Edwardsville (PA) High School in 1940, Jake was the proud recipient of the school’s “12 years of perfect attendance” medal.  At 17, Jake entered the U.S. CCC Company 2335 in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, as the assistant educational advisor.  He then worked as a cylindrical grinder operator at the Automatic Manufacturing Company in Bridgeport, Connecticut. 

From 1942 to 1945, Jake served honorably as sergeant, squad leader, and MP, and was the last surviving original member of the “Tough ‘Ombres”, HQS and HQS Company, K Company, 3rd Battalion, 358th Regiment, 90th Infantry Division, U.S. Army.  Jake fought, while combat wounded, from the D-Day landing on the shores of Utah Beach, Normandie, through Northern France, Ardennes, Belgium, Rhineland, and Czechoslovakia. Jake received several citations and numerous medals, including the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster, five Bronze Stars, one Bronze Arrowhead, Presidential Citation, and the French Croix de Guerre. 

Jake had been an engineer with American Steel & Wire in New Haven for 30 years.  He also served with distinction as treasurer of Steelworkers Union Local 2141. 

In 1992, he regretfully retired after 10 years of beloved service with the USPS of Madison. 

Jake was a member of the American Legion Griswold Post No. 79, the DAV Commanders Club, the VFW, the 90th Division Association, and the Association of Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge. He was also a parishioner at Our Lady of Pompeii R.C. Church. 

On Oct. 21, 2010, Nicolas Sarkozy, president of the French Republic, appointed John as a Chevalier of the Ordre national de la Legion d‘honneur, for which John was decorated on Nov. 11, 2010 in New York City. 

Besides his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Deborah Bray and her husband Stetson A. (“Skip”), Jr. of North Branford and Carolyn Rossick of East Haven; his beloved grandson, Stetson A. Bray III of North Branford; and his buddies, brothers George J. Rossick, Jr. and his wife Mary of New Brighton, Pennsylvania, and Michael T. Rossick and his wife Agnes of Edwardsville, Pennsylvania. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his infant sister; his nephew Joseph; two brothers, William P. and Joseph A. Rossick; and his sister-in-law Phyllis (Ferrence). 

A memorial service (details pending) celebrating Jake’s life will be held on Aug. 7.  Burial with full military honors took place on April 13 in the Connecticut Veterans Cemetery, Middletown.  Donations in “Jake’s” memory may be made to the Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Rd., Branford, CT 06405.   Please share your condolences, memories, and photos with his family via ToughOmbreJAKE@aol.com.   The Keenan Funeral Home, North Branford, is in charge of arrangements.  Please sign the online guestbook at Keenan’s website www.keenanfuneralhome.com.