Folsom Funeral Service

Juan L. Rosado, a resident of Walpole for 20 years and formerly of Dedham for well over 40, died Friday, December 14, 2012, at the Tippett House in Needham, after a long illness.  He was 83.  Juan was born in Boston.  He was the son of the late Dominick and Agnes V. (Mealy) Rosado.  They lived in Roslindale until Juan was 5 years old and then moved to the Riverdale section of Dedham. He graduated from Boston Trade School.  Growing up he and his 3 older brothers spent much of their time on the Charles River swimming, fishing, camping, paddling and playing hockey. He became a competitive canoe and kayak racer in his youth, racing in many meets and he trained for and competed in the 1952 Olympic racing trials with his racing partner and friend Bob Mozer.  Juan joined the United States Army, Dixie Division, 155 Infantry, Tank Company, where he was a Corporal,  during the Korean War.  He met his wife June,  of 59 years,  while ice skating at the Boston Skating Club.  Juan worked as a florist for over 30 years at a popular greenhouse in Dedham and taught horticulture classes at Dedham High School’s Adult Education. He also worked with his family on the Stearns estate in Dedham as a caretaker for 5 years.  After moving to Walpole he worked for McNeil Associates doing landscape and maintenance work for over 10 years until he retired. Juan was a dedicated volunteer throughout his life. This included coaching various youth sports throughout Dedham with his sons for many years. He was a Past Commodore.  In 1986 he and his long time friend Bob Mozer organized the first River Rat Reunion, of the former members of  the Samoset Canoe Club in Riverdale, after which the elections of Commodores were instituted.  Juan was a member and Past President of the Dedham Chamber of Commerce.  While serving with the Chamber in the 1960’s, he was the driving force behind the Dedham Road Race held Labor Day weekend, which drew national attention and even former olympic contenders. John Kelly ran the race several times. He would sit in the dining room with his typewriter composing letters to local merchants for prizes and food for the awards ceremony after the race for the runners.  Juan was a proud and dedicated member and Past Commander of the American Legion, Post 18 of Dedham for many years. He never held back if money needed to be raised or something needed to be done.  He organized many fundraisers such as the flea market, dances, parties and he could be seen assisting with the children’s Christmas party, bingo and sending care packages to soldiers during Desert Storm.  Juan was recognized for his dedication and honored by the Massachusetts State Senate in 2000 as the American Legionnaire of the Year.  He was also a member of The Society in Dedham for the Apprehension of Horse Thieves.  Most of all Juan loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them especially outdoor and winter activities including skiing, sledding,  camping in the White Mountains or in Maine, playing sports like hockey, softball, bike riding, surf casting, campfires in Cape Cod and in his 70’s he followed June’s example and started to golf, which he also enjoyed playing with his Legion friends. He taught his family to love gardening, yardwork and passed his passion for growing things on to each of them.  Juan is survived by his wife June F. (Mullen) Rosado of Walpole; his daughter Karen A. Rosado of Acton, and her partner Alex Aderer; his sons; Kerry A. Rosado, and his wife Janice, of Foxboro, and Kris A. Rosado, and his wife Jerre, of Freeport, Maine; his grandsons Brian, Eric, Kyle and Ryan Rosado; and his great ganddaughter Sedona J. Rosado.  He is also survived by his sister Gloria White of Georgia; and many nieces and nephews.  He was the brother of the late Jocelyn “Joc” , Gilbert and Edgar Rosado. Visiting hours will be held Monday, 2-4 and 6-8 pm at Folsom Funeral Home, 87 Milton Street, Dedham.  His funeral will start Tuesday from the funeral home at 8 am with a Mass of Christian burial being celebrated at 9 O’clock at St. Mary’s Church, 420 High St., Dedham. Burial will be in Brookdale Cemetery with military honors.  In lieu of flowers donations in Juan’s memory may be made to the American Legion Post 18,  155 Eastern Avenue, Dedham, MA.  02026.

Comments(1)