Rossi, 61, will retire June 30 after 42 years at the business she and her brother Lenny started in 1984.

Rossi, a 1982 graduate of Bellwood-Antis High School, had started working at the family business, Rossi Exxon Service Station, while she was in high school.

In 1984, she and Lenny decided to open a small convenience store with bread, milk, chips and cookies within the existing service station.

“Our mom and dad (Leonard and Helen Rossi) helped us get the business up and running, we couldn’t have done it without them. They had Rossi’s Bar and Grill and owned lots of rental properties and a car dealership (Rossi Motor Sales),” Rossi said. “They taught us the characteristics of a business. I felt I hit the jackpot with my parents, I am very blessed.”

Cate Rossi and her nephew Troy McCrum, who is taking over the business, sit at a booth under plaques honoring their family history. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski

While running the business, Rossi attended Penn State Altoona and received an associate degree in business administration in 1988.

“I learned more working on the job than in the classroom, there is nothing like real experience to educate you,” Rossi said.

Rossi said after starting small, food service was added in 1990 and new gas tanks were added when she became president and owner of the business in 1997.

Rossi has seen good times and bad times over the years.

“COVID was a big challenge, we closed for two months. We didn’t know if we would make it or not. It took a couple of years to recover, it was tough for small businesses. I am happy we are still here,” Rossi said.

Rossi said she never thought about looking for another job.

“I was close to my parents. I was happy to be here. Bellwood was a great place to raise kids. It was a blessing to work with my dad for 15 years. He had the best customer service, he had a way with people, I saw that for 15 years. I learned so much from him how to treat people, he was a great man and a great dad,” Rossi said. “I didn’t think I would be in this my whole life, but it’s been a good job. Many of my customers are like family to me, it has been very enjoyable.”

Rossi said she always enjoyed her customers and employees. She said she has had about 140 employees over the years, some staying as long as 25 years.

“I am a people person. I will miss my customers, it is a joy to come to work and see my friends. It is nice to see the people enjoy food and how much they like us. It is a lot of work but it is rewarding,” Rossi said.

Rossi said she has made changes when needed and said customer service sets Rossi’s apart from other convenience stores.

“When customers ask for something, we try to accommodate them. We’ve expanded our menu to give people what they want. We also provide quality gasoline. We went from Exxon to unbranded gasoline about ten years ago, so we can offer a lower price,” Rossi said. “Competition has been a challenge, but our customer service sets us apart, they like what they can get here at Rossi’s.”

Rossi is well respected in the community.

“My dad bought cars from her dad. We all went to school together in Bellwood, and we’ve been business neighbors and friends for decades,” said Joe DelGrosso, retired CEO of DelGrosso Foods. “Cate took the strong foundation her parents built and grew it into her vision. She has been a valued member of the community, a wonderful business neighbor, and a trusted friend. Many employees from DelGrosso Foods, DelGrosso’s Park, and Marianna’s Fundraisers regularly stop at Rossi’s for breakfast, lunch, or to fuel up before heading home.”

“Our families have grown up together in the Tipton/Bellwood area for years. Cate learned from a very young age the strong work ethic it takes to have business that is open every day,” said Carl Crider Jr., president of DelGrosso’s Park and Rossi’s brother-in-law. “Through hard work, determination and unwavering dedication, she not only preserved a cherished family business but helped it thrive for decades. Her leadership transformed it into a trusted and respected name throughout this part of Blair County. By balancing tradition with innovation, she built a lasting legacy that has positively impacted countless customers, employees, and families in our community.”

Rossi’s Corner Store and Martin Oil Company have been business partners for several years.

“Cate is someone that I have so much respect for. She is a businesswoman that I look up to and hope to mirror. She is a kind, giving person, but she is also smart and runs a tight ship with her business. I know her father is looking down and so proud of what she has done at this location. Cate is a respected businesswoman in the community and also a dear friend,” said Karen Padula, Martin Oil sales director.

Over the years, Rossi has provided jobs for many young people in the area.

“We couldn’t have done it alone. We have a good team who have been instrumental in the success of Rossi’s, we appreciate each and every one of them,” Rossi said.

Jenn Kocher worked for Rossi from 1990-95.

“Cate has a way about her, the way she carries herself. She is friendly and welcoming, someone you feel comfortable around. When I worked for her, she carried a sense of authority and that you needed to listen to her, she knew what she was talking about,” said Kocher, now vice president of communications and marketing for the National Association of Water Companies. “She gave us the opportunity to learn so much that set us up for careers in the future.”

Kendra Noye, a substitute teacher in Waynesboro Area School District, worked for Rossi from 2012-18.

“She is so kind and generous, so family oriented, she cares about the community, she is a great leader. She made you feel welcome, like part of her family. It wasn’t stressful, it was comforting. If you needed to change your schedule, she was very flexible, she was very generous and she was very understanding,” Noye said.

Nick Padula, who works as a service advisor for Cummins in Altoona, worked for Rossi from 2014-18 through high school.

“Cate is a very hardworking individual, she was a great mentor to me, she showed how a small business should be run, she was very inspirational. She is a pillar in our community of Tipton. It was my first job. She taught me work ethic and to be the best at what you do. If I ever decide to start a small business, she would be the first person I would reach out to, she did it right,” Padula said.

Jean Lovrich, a regular customer and friend, said her daughter worked for Rossi.

“She is very community minded and very friendly and supports anything for the community. She is just a big hearted person. She is always there to support families in times of need,” Lovrich said.

Rossi said the time is right to retire.

“I have a new grandson who is 10 months old and my daughter, Tessa Francis, is expecting a second. That is one of the biggest reasons. They live in Warrenton in northern Virginia. I would like to be able to help them and visit as much as I can,” said Rossi, who also plans to spend more time with her other daughter Abbey, who lives in Exton.

She has other retirement plans as well.

“I’ve always wanted to see the Vatican and where dad’s parents were from (Campobasso, Italy), that is on my bucket list for next year. I want to deepen my faith, I will go to Mass more during retirement. Mom and Dad taught us a lot of good values,” Rossi said.

Rossi’s nephew, Troy McCrum, will take over the business as president/owner.

“I’ve given him lots of advice. Be good to your customers and be honest. He is young and techy and has a lot of great ideas. He will do fantastic, people love him and he is ready for this,” Rossi said. “He has worked here since college, he likes the business. He is a good fit, he is well liked by the customers. It will be a nice and easy transition.”

“I am excited, I am very lucky, Cate has laid a great foundation over the years, I am proud to continue the family tradition and be part of it moving forward,” McCrum said.

Mirror Staff Writer Walt Frank is at 814-946-7467.

The Rossi file

Name: Cate Rossi

Age: 61

Position: Retiring as president/owner of Rossi’s Corner Store

Education: 1982 graduate of Bellwood-Antis High School; 1988 graduate of Penn State Altoona with associate degree in business administration

Family: Daughters, Tessa and Abbey; one grandchild with a second on the way

Quote: “One year grew into five years and now it is 42 years.”