Walter T. Roosa

Walter T. Roosa of Allegany, NY, formerly of Walden, NY and New Paltz, NY passed away December 8, 2024, at the age of 96. He was born in Monroe, NY June 26, 1928, to Jacob I. and Ruth Dayton Roosa. He was married for 69 years to Barbara Rosencrans Roosa who predeceased him.

Walter was a 2nd generation owner of J.I. Roosa and Son Jewelers after attending college in Morrisville for watchmaking. He worked alongside his Dad for 18 years until taking over the business in 1969.  21 years later he retired and son Paul took over the business in 1990. The business celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2019.

As the longest member of the Walden United Methodist Church, he enjoyed singing in the choir along with his children and wife playing the pipe organ. Walter, known for his Baritone singing voice, was a member of community choruses here and in Florida where he and Barbara wintered as snowbirds. He also enjoyed playing shuffleboard! He has been a member of the Masonic Lodge for 72 years. Walter prided himself on his daily 1 ½ mile walks over the years and was active on social media sharing his memorable lifetime stories!

Survivors include his daughter Linda Smith of Saranac Lake, NY and her children Benjamin (Natalie), Andrew and Luke; son Bruce and wife Kathy of Allegany, NY and their son Kyle (Christina); son Paul of Hancock, NH and his children Kevin and Kylie, as well as fiancée Brenda; and three great grandchildren Allison and Claire Smith, and Gray Roosa, and several nieces, nephews and one cousin.

Predeceased by his parents and wife Barbara, sisters Marion Love, Muriel Duffus, and brother Warren “Jake” Roosa.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Walden Methodist Church or St. Jude’s.

There will be a Celebration of Life gathering planned for a later date.

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