Community Rallies Around Grieving Danvers Family

Photo: GoFundMe

DANVERS, MA - People in the Danvers community are mourning the loss of a 3rd-grader on Sunday morning.

James Anthony “JJ” Rosato, Jr., 8, died Sunday morning, Dec. 6, at his home. He was the loving son of James and Chelsea (Julien) Rosato, according to his obituary. His father works for the town’s Department of Public Works.

“The Danvers DPW sends our condolences to one of our own, Jimmy Rosato and his family for the heartbreaking loss of their son JJ. If you are able, please help support this wonderful family in their time of need. Our thoughts and prayers are with them,” Danvers DPW’s posted on facebook.

JJ was a student at Great Oak Elementary School. Superintendent Lisa Dana sent a statement, “On behalf of the Danvers School District, I extend heartfelt condolences to the family of James (JJ) Rosato during this difficult time. During this week and in the days ahead, we will support the Great Oak School community as they process the loss of a student and classmate.”

The school district’s social workers have had grief counseling training, according to Dana.

Matt Bernard works with JJ’s father, Jimmy Rosato. Bernard and his wife Nikki, who are also close friends with the Rosato family, created the JJ Rosato Memorial Fund.

“Just to help them out in every way possible,” Matt Bernard said. He and Nikki Bernard co-wrote a touching tribute to JJ.

“He looked up to his father and wanted nothing more but to grow up and be exactly like daddy. His daddy was his world.” -- JJ Rosato Memorial Fund gofundme page.

“JJ was a little clone of Jimmy,” Matt Bernard said.

Obituary: James Anthony “JJ” Rosato Jr., 8, Died at Home

“This little boy touched so many lives,” Matt Bernard said. “He was such a loving, wonderful kid.”