John S. Rosa ’85

John Scott Rosa of Franklin and Bristol, NH, passed away peacefully at his home on May 10, 2023, after a lengthy illness.  He was born in Portsmouth, NH on February 15, 1963, the son of the late John E. Rosa and Grace McMahon.

A 1981 graduate of Portsmouth High School, John was a member of the class of 1985 at Maine Maritime Academy where he dominated on the football field and was beloved by his teammates and his classmates, and surely, with his presence, filled the rooms in which he was in.

After graduating from Maine Maritime Academy, he served as ships’ captains until his retirement, but continued his life-long pleasure in fishing.  He was an avid gardener, enjoyed raising many types of animals, and enjoyed traveling to many parts of the world.

His family includes two sons – Austin Rosa, of Plymouth, NH, and Anthony Rosa of Portsmouth, NH; a daughter, Julia Darley and her husband, Patrick, of Lebanon, NH; two brothers – Anthony E. Rosa of Bridgewater, NH, and Daniel T. Rosa of Raymond, NH, and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of his life will be held on June 11 from 4-6 at Four Tree Island Portsmouth NH.