John Rosatti — A Great American Victory Article
The life and times of John Rosatti have been filled with both personal triumph and tragedy. He has dominated the business world, raised a beautiful family, and has overcome many devastating personal problems that would have buried a lesser man. However, Mr. Rosatti was able to get past these issues, and go on to be one of the most successful businessmen in the country.
The Early Years
John Rosatti was born in the diverse city of Brooklyn, New York to his loving parents Edward John Rosatti and Angeline Rosatti. His father worked for the city while his mother made extra money for the family by working as a seamstress. John also had an older sister named Dorothy with whom he lived with his parents in a small, basement apartment in Brooklyn. From a young age, John exhibited a keen understanding of the world around him and was very considered very intelligent for a child. As did most Italian children in the neighborhood, John and his sister attended Catholic schools growing up.
Early Influences
John grew up in the Italian-American atmosphere. He regularly attended large Italian family meals where they were gather around the meal table and tell stories. John was very close to his grandfather John Adam Basset who was a decorated Naval Officer. John Basset, who changed his name from Rosatti during World War II, to prevent discrimination, served valiantly for the United States. In the book “Force Mulberry: The Planning and Installation of the Artificial Harbor of U.S. Normandy Beaches in WWII” which was published by Whitehead Press his accomplishments are greatly recounted. He instilled in John Rosatti his courageousness and hard work.
Hard Work
John learned from a young age the importance of working with your hands from his father, who he regularly went to work with at the local boat docks. There, he acquired many mechanical skills that would eventually lead him to a successful career in the automobile industry. At the age of 21, John married his first wife, Joann, and opened his first car dealership. The dealership he bought in 1978 was located in Flatbush, NY and sold Oldsmobiles. This venture turned out to be very successful and his dealership was regularly named as a “Top 100” dealership by Ward’s Automotive. John went on to form a group of dealerships labeled the Plaza Auto Mall. This allowed him to expand his business outside of New York, and into New Jersey, Nevada and Florida.
Tragedy
After 18 years of marriage, John and Joann made the mutual decision to get a divorce. However, the two remain friends to this day. After a few more years of hard work expanding his empire, John met and married his second wife, Bonni. They were married on the island of St. Thomas, surrounded by friends and family, and moved to Brooklyn to start a family. They had three children together, who grew up attending church and Catholic schools in the Brooklyn area. In 1997, John lost his father in a horrible car accident. Three years later, John also lost his beloved wife, Bonni, to a serious car accident. Left with three young children to care for, John began spending more time at home raising the kids, while also running his many business ventures.
After much consideration John decided to move his family to South Florida. He threw himself into his work and business ventures. Today he can now enjoy his hard work and dedication with his family and his newfound dedicated girlfriend Dawn. Despite tragedy John has lived a full and adventurous life. He is truly the American dream, proving that hard work, dedication, and perseverance can reign over tragedy. He is a man who should be admired not only for his business pursuits and flare, but also for his fortitude. He currently enjoys spending time on his boat with his family and enjoying working on his many business ventures, including yachting.