Angelo Joseph Rossi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Angelo Joseph Rossi
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| 31st Mayor of San Francisco | |
| In office January 7, 1931 – January 8, 1944 |
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| Preceded by | James Rolph |
| Succeeded by | Roger Lapham |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 22, 1878 Volcano, California |
| Died | April 5, 1948 (aged 70) San Francisco, California |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Grace Mabel Allen |
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| Profession | Florist |
Angelo Joseph Rossi (January 22, 1878 – April 5, 1948) was an American politician who served as the 31st mayor of San Francisco. He led the city through important times, including the Great Depression and World War II.
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Angelo Rossi's Early Life and Career
Angelo Rossi was born in a small town called Volcano, in Amador County, California. When he was 12 years old, his family's home and store burned down. In 1890, he moved to San Francisco with his widowed mother and six brothers and sisters.
Angelo went to school but left after the 6th grade to start working. He had different jobs, including working in florist shops. Eventually, he became a partner in a florist business called Pelicano and Rossi. Later, he opened his own company, Angelo J. Rossi, Inc. Even when he became mayor, his florist company continued to operate.
Leading San Francisco as Mayor
Angelo Rossi first became mayor in January 1931. The previous mayor, James Rolph, resigned to become the Governor of California. After finishing Rolph's term, Rossi was elected mayor in November 1931. He was re-elected two more times, serving until 1944.
As a member of the Republican Party, Mayor Rossi was in charge when many big projects happened in San Francisco. He oversaw the building of the famous Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge. He also led the creation of Treasure Island and the Golden Gate International Exposition, which was a big World's Fair in 1939.
Mayor Rossi worked hard to bring money from the federal government to San Francisco. He supported programs like the "New Deal" to create jobs and improve the city's buildings and roads. He also dedicated the Mount Davidson Cross in 1934.
Facing Challenges as Mayor
During his time as mayor, Angelo Rossi faced several challenges. He was strongly against communism and believed that some labor strikes were caused by troublemakers.
In July 1934, San Francisco experienced a major general strike. Mayor Rossi worked to end the strike and keep goods moving in the city. He asked the governor to send the National Guard to help restore order. After the strike ended, Mayor Rossi stated that he would work to remove any communist agitators from San Francisco.
Mayor Rossi also dealt with issues within the police department. He asked for money to investigate problems and improve the police force. An investigation led to a report about police conduct in 1937. He also helped start the San Francisco City College in April 1937.
Later, in 1942, during World War II, Mayor Rossi was questioned about his loyalty to America. He was accused of supporting Italian fascism, a political movement led by Benito Mussolini. With strong emotion, Mayor Rossi denied these accusations. He stated his "100 percent" loyalty to the United States and explained that he had removed a picture of Mussolini from his office before the war. He lost his re-election campaign the following year after a difficult election.
Legacy and Remembrance
Angelo Joseph Rossi passed away in 1948. He is buried in Holy Cross Cemetery in Colma, California. To remember his contributions to the city, a park, playground, and pool in San Francisco are named after him. There is also a street in the Richmond district of San Francisco that bears his name.
See Also
- History of San Francisco
- List of mayors of San Francisco
