Founding Professor of SUNY Rockland Passes Away

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: June 24, 2008

CONTACT: Lisa Saunders

(845) 574-4244

Founding Professor of SUNY Rockland Community College Passes Away

Suffern, NY - Raymond K. Rossiter, a member of the founding faculty of SUNY Rockland Community College in 1959, passed away on Sunday, June 15, at the age of 85 years.

Rossiter was born in Hinghwa, Fukien, China, to missionary parents, Fred and Daisy Rossiter.  He moved to Washington, D.C. in 1937 with his family, then later moved to Suffern.  He was the first RCC student activity director and taught Social Sciences for 30 years before retiring in August of 1989.  He was awarded the status of Professor Emeritus in 1993.

Upon retirement from the College, Rossiter moved to Toms River, New Jersey, in 1991 where he lived until his death.   He was a WW II veteran and is survived by his wife Enid Antonia Rossiter, children and grandchildren. 

"He was with the intelligence during WWII and loved to teach American government," said longtime colleague, Joseph Famellette, Professor, Physical Education.

To learn more about SUNY Rockland Community College, visit www.sunyrockland.edu.

###

Rockland Community College, a unit of the State University of New York, is located 25 miles northwest of NYC. The majority of its students transfer to four-year colleges, and many find immediate employment upon earning their associate's degree or certificate. The College also offers others, from preschoolers to senior citizens, the opportunity to simply learn something new. Quality education...at a price you can afford.