Jack Edward Rossotti

Jack Edward Rossotti, beloved husband, stepfather, brother, uncle, friend, professor, musician, and devout Catholic, died on Saturday, September 14, 2024, following complications from leukemia. He was 80 years old.

Born on May 26, 1944, in New York, New York Jack attended St. Cecilia Catholic High School in Englewood, New Jersey. He received a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Northwestern University in 1966, and became a television reporter, producer, and anchor before deciding to study political science. He obtained both a Masters degree and a Ph.D from Syracuse University in 1969 and 1972, respectively. He also obtained a JD from Catholic University in 1979, and briefly practiced law.

But the highlight of Jack’s professional career was his more than 25 years as a political science professor at American University. There, he taught undergraduate students from other universities who were studying in Washington for a semester. During the early 1990’s, Jack developed a track within his program called the Washington Semester in Public Law, aimed at students who wanted to go on to law school. Jack directed this program for several years before he retired. His students responded to this program with enthusiasm, and Jack consistently received top teaching evaluations. He had a kind way of interacting with students. He would never embarrass a student in class discussions.

He was so beloved by his students that they planted a cherry tree on campus in his honor. It still stands today with a plaque that reads: “For Professor Jack Rossotti in Honor of His Dedicated Teaching” and is signed, The Public Law Semester. Jack was deeply moved.

Outside of his professional career, Jack had a passion for and deep knowledge of sports; music; and wine. He spent time in his early career

calling games. He carried this love of sports, particularly football and basketball, throughout his entire life. He particularly enjoyed predicting which teams would make the NCAA men’s basketball tournament and then following his picks.

Jack was also an accomplished pianist. Born with the gift of perfect pitch, he would lead groups in both public and family settings in singing rollicking versions of Broadway show tunes or Christmas carols, while he provided the piano accompaniment with gusto.

Jack was a true oenophile in every sense of the word: a collector, an enthusiast, and a deeply knowledgeable connoisseur. At one point his legendary wine collection numbered over 1,000 bottles. Of course it became his responsibility to provide the wine for family holidays, a role he took very seriously.

The family would like to thank the ICU team at Virginia Health Center for their excellent care and compassion for Jack at the end of his life.

Jack is survived by his wife, Valerie Evans, and step-daughter, Erin Evans; brother Charles Rossotti (Barbara); niece Allegra Rossotti Nethery (John); nephew Edward Rossotti (Lynn); grand-nephew Jed Rossotti; grand-niece Elizabeth Rossotti; and cousins Arlene Tiscornia and Edward Rossotti.

Visitation will take place on Thursday, September, 19, from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Money & King Funeral Home, 171 Maple Ave. W, Vienna, VA. A funeral mass will take place on Friday, September 20, at 11 a.m. at St. John the Beloved Roman Catholic Church, 6420 Linway Terr., McLean, VA. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. John the Beloved,
https://www.stjohncatholicmclean.org/ or to catholiccharitiesdc.org
https://www.catholiccharitiesdc.org/