RHINEBECK, NY — James Ellington Rosell, a lifelong resident of Rhinebeck, passed away peacefully on June 6, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was 92.
Born on January 17, 1933, in Rhinebeck, he was the son of the late Ellington Rosell and Irene Casey Rosell. Jim often said he lived in “the best of times” and felt grateful to have grown up in the beautiful Hudson Valley. As a boy, he was happiest roaming the woods with his dog and swimming in the nearby, clear streams, which instilled in him a lifelong love of the outdoors.
An avid hunter, fisherman, and passionate conservationist, Jim was always eager to share his pursuits with family and friends. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and spent 43 years working for Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation. Even after retirement, Jim was rarely idle, dedicating countless hours to his community and projects around his home. His gardens, especially his meticulously tended vegetable patch and famous tomatoes, were a source of pride and joy, generously shared with those he loved.
A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Jim was a steady, dependable presence to his family and friends. His humor, calm, and integrity left an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to know him.
He is survived by his daughters, Karen Rosell Keith (Eric) of Houston, Texas, and Charlene Rosell Rosenberry (Sam) of Poughkeepsie, New York; his grandchildren, Erin Weimann (Mike), Michael Rosenberry (Kelly), Sarah Stephan (Drew), and Rachael Goldsberry (Taylor); several great-grandchildren; and his longtime companion, Barbara Haight.
He was predeceased by his wife of over 60 years, Geraldine Layman Rosell.
Calling Hours will be held at the Dapson-Chestney Funeral Home, 51 W. Market St., Rhinebeck, NY on Thursday June 12 from 4PM to 6PM.
A Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on June 13, 2025, at St. Joseph’s Church in Rhinebeck, New York. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Rhinecliff, New York.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Church, Rhinebeck; St. Jude
Children’s Research Hospital; or Hudson Valley Hospice.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of James Rosell, please visit our floral store.