Joseph P. Rosplock, 97, of Lincroft and previously Rochester, New York, passed away peacefully March 19, 2022. He was born in Elmira, New York to the late Francis and Frances (Kosloski) Rosplock.
Joe served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II, fighting in the Battle for Sugar Loaf Hill during the invasion of Okinawa in 1945. His experiences were included in the book “Bringing Mulligan Home” by Columbia University professor Dale Maharidge. After the war, Joe worked for 50 years in retail – primarily floor coverings and furniture – including managing several stores.
Joe, an avid golfer, fly fisherman and bowler, was continually learning new things, and taught himself how to play the keyboard at age 70. He used this new skill to entertain people at nursing homes, assisted living facilities and at Luftman Towers where won the talent show and captured the title “Mr. Luftman” in 2017.
Joe knew more about NBA and NCAA basketball than most ESPN commentators and enjoyed watching tennis and golf as well. He taught his family many life lessons, including things like the value of investing in hobbies that fulfill you, the importance of keeping in touch with people, the belief you’re never too old to make new friends and the mandate that you should eat the things that make you happy.
Joe was predeceased by the love of his life, his wife Claire Rosplock, in 1996. He was also predeceased by his brothers John, Bernard, Lawrence, Eugene and Albert Rosplock and his sisters, Mary Paluszkiewicz and Teresa Check.
He is survived by his daughters, Rita (John) Gauthier of Rochester, New York, and Nancy (John) Tesoro of Long Beach Island; grandchildren John (Amy) Clendenning, Marisa (John) Graham, Michael (Lauren) Tesoro and Elizabeth (Frank) Ferrante; great-grandchildren Ryan Clendenning, Connor Graham, Jack Graham, Michael Ferrante, Joseph Ferrante, Luke Tesoro, Evelyn Tesoro and Thomas Ferrante; sister-in-law Theresa Tangredi; many nieces and nephews throughout the country; and caregiver Ashley Lumpkins.
His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:15 a.m. Tuesday, May 31 at St. Leo the Great Church, Lincroft. Interment will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 1 at St. Peter and Paul’s Cemetery, Elmira. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org.
The article originally appeared in the March 31 – April 6, 2022 print edition of The Two River Times.
