Obituary of John F. Mosca

John F. Mosca, 94, native of Rome, NY, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, surrounded by loving caregivers at Francis House in Syracuse, and his niece, Joyce. He was born in Rome, NY on October 2, 1928, son of the late John Mosca and the late Rose Voci Mosca.  John graduated from Rome Free Academy in 1946 and enlisted in the US Marine Corps.  He was stationed at Camp Lejeune until his honorable discharge in 1948.  John was proud to be a WW II Veteran and active member of the American Legion.  After his military service, he returned home to work, then pursued higher education.  He graduated from Clarkson College of Technology, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Science Degree in Industrial Management.

John started his engineering career at Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome.  In 1967, he moved to Endicott, NY, for employment at IBM.  John’s professional expertise as a configuration manager and program office specialist led to an accomplished career.  Much of his work was highly classified and included travel, both in the US and abroad.  He retired in 1990 and returned to Rome. 

John was a true renaissance man. He spoke three languages—Italian, English, and German.  He could fix almost anything and always had a project to test his skills.  He was artistic, reflected in detailed pencil drawings that were tucked away in his home. He was an outdoorsman who loved fishing and hunting.  John owned a motorcycle, but later retired it for his beloved sports car, a 1976 Triumph Spitfire.   He was an avid skier who enjoyed the challenge of the slopes (well into his eighties) and an active member of the Triple Cities Ski Club in Endicott and the Griffiss Ski Club in Rome. He loved organizing ski trips, appreciating both the skiing experiences and the friends he made.

John’s long life reflected the values he cherished most: faith, family, service and hard work.  Some of his fondest memories were of family gatherings where he enthusiastically sat at the head of the table, enjoying the wonderful Italian meals and delicious bake goods that his mother prepared.  These dear family memories warmed his heart and brought a smile to his face in his advancing years. 

As a devout Catholic, John practiced his faith intentionally and was dedicated to service in his church communities.  While living in Endicott, NY, he was an active parishioner and head usher at St. Ambrose Church.  When he returned to Rome in retirement, the Church of St. John the Baptist and Transfiguration became his spiritual home.  He was President of the Nocturnal Adoration Society and a member of the Knights of Columbus. In 2019, John received an Immaculata Award for Service in the Diocese of Syracuse, honored for his contributions at Transfiguration. 

John is survived by nieces and nephews, Carol Waldo Varsalona (Richard), VA, Joyce Waldo Leonelli, Jamesville, NY, Linda Pettinelli Bright (Craig Zobel), FL, Amy Mosca Emerson, SD, David M Pettinelli (DeAnn), Fairport, NY, and Philip Mosca (Laura), MO. He is also survived by great nieces and nephews and three great-great nieces.  He is predeceased by his three siblings, Kathryn Mosca Waldo, Mary Mosca Pettinelli (Nicholas), and Dominick Mosca.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at 11:00 at St. John the Baptist Church, 210 East Dominick Street, Rome, NY with the Rev Paul Angelicchio officiating.  The family will receive friends at church prior to the mass from 10 am to 11 am. Burial will be in St. John the Baptist Cemetery with full Military Honors.

Memorial contributions in John’s name may be made to Francis House, 108 Michaels Ave, Syracuse,

NY 13208.

Arrangements are by the Nicholas J. Bush Funeral Home, Inc, 7751 Merrick Road, Rome, NY 13440. 

To offer online condolences, please visit www.njbushfuneralhome.com.