Rossie Alfonze Bratten Jr.

ROSSIE’S LIFE Rossie Alfonze Bratten, Jr. was born on August 18, 1931, to the late Elisabeth (Broughton) Bratten and was fortunate to have two mothers. From the age of six (6), he was nurtured by Rossie and Catherine Bratten in Patchogue, New York. In his early teens, he moved to Snow Hill, Maryland to live with his grandmother. When he neared enlistment age, Rossie joined the military and served four years with the United States Army. During his tour, he successfully completed his medical course for Operating Room Technician in the 33rd Medical Holding Company in France and assisted in the operating room. He received two medals, the Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. Once honorably discharged from the Army, Al, as he was affectionately called, went to school in Baltimore, Maryland to become a barber. He soon became a Master Barber and proprietor of Al’s Barbershop on Main Street in Salisbury, Maryland for thirty (30) years. He was also an independent school bus owner and driver for the Wicomico County Board of Education. After thirty (30) years of working as a Master Barber, he felt it was time for a career change. He learned the art of installing carpet, ceramic tiles, hardwood floors, and marble tiles and formed Al’s Flooring business which flourished with customers from Pennsylvania to the Carolina’s. Rossie loved the Lord and spent his life sharing the love of God with whomever had a need for comfort and desired a better understanding of God’s word. He was a faithful servant and member of the Salisbury SDA Church and continued to serve at New Life SDA Church on Adventist Drive in various capacities including Pathfinder club counselor, Men’s Ministry leader, Bible School Teacher, and Head Elder. Rossie leaves to cherish his memory: his wife of forty-nine (49) years, Catherine Bratten; two sons, Billy Blake (Lumarzell) of Fort Washington, MD and Rossie III of Manassas, VA; three daughters, Pamela of Bowie, MD, Valerie of Windsor Mill, MD and Rosalind Carter (Carlton) of Fort Washington, MD; two sisters, Sylvia Rider (Allen) and Doris Bratten and one brother, Edward Bratten, all of Salisbury, MD; eight grandchildren, Omar, Tatanesha, Aisha, Fatuma, Rossie IV, Raquel, Keyana, and Vaughn, as well as other relatives that include great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will miss him dearly. GONE FROM OUR PRESENT SIGHT BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN LOVINGLY SUBMITTED ~ THE FAMILY

Rossie Alfonze Bratten Jr.

August 18, 1931 - May 31, 2021