Remembering Jack Rosano: A lifetime of service to Albany
A firefighter, school board president and youth mentor, Jack Rosano spent decades giving back to Albany. He died last week at 93.
Note: Mayor Peggy McQuaid read the following remarks at Monday's City Council meeting. They have been reprinted with permission.
Tonight we are adjourning in memory of longtime Albany resident and community leader Jack Rosano, who passed away last week at the age of 93.
Jack’s love of Albany was rooted in a long family history. His grandfather, Jack McCourtney, moved to Albany after the 1906 earthquake, becoming a volunteer firefighter and eventually serving as an engineer. Both his grandfather and father went on to become Berkeley firefighters.
Jack was born in Berkeley in 1933. He played baseball in high school with Billy Martin, graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1952, and went on to play in the minor leagues.
During the Korean Conflict, Jack served in the military, flying patrol planes and serving in Iwakuni, Japan. The Navy selected him to participate in a goodwill program teaching Japanese students to play baseball.
After returning home, Jack joined the Berkeley Fire Department, where he rose to the rank of captain. He raised his four children in Albany, where he spent decades giving back to the community he loved.
He launched the first EMT program in Alameda County and trained doctors and nurses in the surrounding cities.
Jack was an AUSD trustee and also served as president of the Board of Education. Jack was a founding member of the Albany Police Activities League and served as its president for more than 25 years.
He was a longtime member of the Albany Historical Society and gave countless hours to Albany Little League, including serving as president for many years. He also served on the Albany Civil Service Board, where his experience as a firefighter and community leader was an asset to the city.
In 2008, Jack was named Albany Citizen of the Year.
He was a longtime member of St. Ambrose Parish. In his years as an usher, Jack knew every parishioner by name.
Jack may be best known for his many years of service with the Kiwanis Club. He served in numerous leadership roles and mentored countless Key Club students.
He took particular pride in the scholarships awarded to young people through the Kiwanis Club and the Albany Police Activities League, and he was an active member of the scholarship committees, helping local students pursue their dreams.
Jack’s life was defined by service — to his country, to his profession, to young people, and especially to the Albany community. His contributions touched generations of Albany families, and his legacy will remain a part of our community for years to come.
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