An air defense artillery officer by profession, he commanded at all levels available in the career path, from battery to center of excellence.

[11] At Fort Sill, Rossi was among those who encouraged attention to the problem of military suicides, saying that commanders to this effect are responsible for soldiers on and off duty.

[17] Individuals who had worked with Rossi over the years paid tribute to their former superior and colleague, including former Fort Sill commander, retired Army general and close friend Lee Baxter, who praised Rossi as an "out front, very polished, professional leader" who "stepped up to be a true leader in the community".

[18] The Army also issued an official statement, commending Rossi as "a respected leader, valiant warrior and trusted friend who gave more than 33 years of service to this nation.

"[19] With Rossi's death, David L. Mann's term as USASMDC commanding general was extended beyond statutory limits pending confirmation of another candidate as his successor.

Members of Rossi's staff on Fort Sill remarked that the general habitually carried photographs of the aforementioned soldiers in his wallet, four of whom had committed suicide.

[16] Additionally, Rossi expressed trepidation of his coming assignment to his wife only upon arrival at Redstone Arsenal, days before he was due to assume command.

Rossi remarked that "there was 'so much information' associated with the job that he didn't know or understand,"[16] fearing he would be "exposed as a fraud" for being unable to handle the diverse responsibilities at USASMDC.

In addition to the below awards, the Major General John G. Rossi Military Fellowship offered by the Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance is named after him.