John S. Rosa

John Scott Rosa, age 60, passed away on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, peacefully at his home in Franklin, NH after a lengthy illness. He was born February 15, 1963 to Grace McMahon and the late John E. Rosa. Survivors include his son Austin Rosa, of Plymouth, NH, daughter Julia Rosa Darley of Lebanon, NH and son Anthony Rosa of Portsmouth, NH, brothers Anthony E. Rosa of Bridgewater, NH, and Daniel T. Rosa of Raymond, NH, and many nieces and nephews.
A 1981 graduate of Portsmouth High School, he excelled in both academics and athletics. earning six letters in football and track. John was a member of the Maine Maritime Academy class of 1985 earning a degree in Nautical Science and certificate in Naval Architecture. He dominated the football field throughout college and was beloved by his teammates and classmates. John’s presence filled any room he entered with electric joy.
After graduating from Maine Maritime Academy, John held several professional positions including sea trials readying ships for the Gulf War. His love for the sea brought him to a career as a commercial fisherman where he captained several offshore vessels. As a young father he purchased his own fishing boat and named her the FV Bella Julia, after his daughter. He lobstered and fished off the NH coast and proudly moored his boat in Sagamore Creek for many years.
John was most at peace when he was close to the natural world. Whether rolling through the ocean waves, planting gardens, or absorbing the calm of the forest, he appreciated the beauty of this earth. He was an avid hunter known for his precise skill with a compound bow and marksmanship with a rifle. He enjoyed training his dogs, raising chickens, and traveling to many parts of the world.
To remember John, in a special way, memorial donations may be made to the ASPCA on-line. Close family members will have a Celebration of Life on Saturday, May 27, 2023, 11:00AM at his mother’s home, 12 Governors Drive, Raymond, NH. All are welcome to share their memories at a Memorial Gathering by the sea on Sunday, June 11, 2023 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm at Four Tree Island in Portsmouth, NH.