Norman L. “Pete” Rossnagle
Norman L. “Pete” Rossnagle, 83 of Pohatcong Township, NJ passed away at home, surrounded by his loving family and friends on February 27, 2025. Born on April 29, 1941 in Phillipsburg, NJ to the late Frank and Virginia (Friend) Rossnagle.
Pete was a proud Vietnam Veteran and served his country in the United States Army from 1959 to 1967. Pete was assigned to Tank Battalion, 53rd Armor Division as Private First Class. After his enlistment ended in 1965, Pete re-enlisted and was sent to Viet Nam in 1966 where he was wounded in action. While in Viet Nam he was assigned to 1st Battalion 28th Infantry Regiment “Black Lions”. Pete was Honorably Discharged on December 20, 1967. He earned the Vietnam Campaign Medal – Combat Infantryman Badge (1st Award); National Defense Service Medal – Vietnam Service Medal – Purple Heart. He retired as a Corporal.
When returning from Viet Nam, Pete made it his mission to marry the love of his life, Geraldine (Davis) Rossnagle. Together they built a life in Phillipsburg raising their three children.
Pete was the owner and operator of Barry’s Shell on Memorial Parkway in Phillipsburg before moving his operation to Allentown, Pennsylvania. In 1981, Pete joined forces with his brothers Pat and Barry and their father, Frank, to open Rossnagle’s Service Center, where they continue to proudly serve their community.
During his lifetime, Pete enjoyed racing stock cars as a younger man as well as volunteering as a fire fighter with Reliance Hose No. 1 in Phllipsburg. He enjoyed going to the Casino, tinkering around the house and working on computers. He had a passion for his family history and compiled his Family Tree. But most of all, Pete enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.
Pete is survived by his daughters, Denise Imboden and her husband James, Vicki Stefano and husband Nicholas, Grandchildren, Xanth and Zoie Rossnagle, Emmerson, Ethan, and Ember Imboden, Logan Stefano, Best friend, Marvin Hawk, Brothers, Pat and Bill Rossnagle, Sisters, Linda Bladies, Doris Stokes, and Donna Lombardi, along with countless nieces, nephews, and friends. Pete was preceded in death by his loving wife Geraldine, Son, Norman “Pete” Rossnagle Jr., Grandson, Nicholas Ross Stefano, Brothers, Harvey, Rich, Francis and Barry Rossnagle, Sisters, Margaret Petchonka, Ginny Fahr, Marie and Joanne Rossnagle.
Visiting hours will be held at Finegan Funeral Home, 302 Heckman Street in Phillipsburg, NJ on Thursday, March 6, 2025 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Phillip and St. James Catholic Church, 430 South Main Street, Phillipsburg, NJ on March 7, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. Burial will take place next to his beloved wife, Geraldine, at St. Philip and St. James Cemetery, County Road 519 and US Route 22, Greenwich Township, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund or Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice.