01/30/2026
Elaina L. DelRossi
It is with profound sadness, especially to her husband and best friend, David DelRossi, that we announce the passing of Elaina Louise (Kersevich) DelRossi, age 76, of Dublin, New Hampshire. Elaina passed away in David’s arms on January 24th, after a prolonged six-year battle with Lewy Body Dementia Parkinson’s Disease. David diligently and lovingly cared for Elaina during every phase of this disease, only leaving her side to perform necessary household errands.
Elaina was born in Peterborough, New Hampshire on June 16th, 1949, to Olivette Fabiola (Dione) Kersevich and Frank Kersevich. She attended Jaffery Public Schools, and after graduating from Conant High School in 1967, Elaina attended Merrimack College in Andover, Massachusetts. She graduated in 1971 with a BS in mathematics, and a minor in music…. The latter being her passion.
Thus begins the story of Elaina’s career and the "Love Story of a Lifetime." Following her college graduation, Elaina made plans to join friends traveling in Europe. Learning through the 'Jaffrey grapevine' that an acquaintance, David DelRossi, had plans to visit his brother, Michael, stationed in Weisbaden, Germany, and not wanting to fly alone, Elaina contacted David to see if he would agree to coordinate their departure dates. Something magical happened on that seven-hour flight from Boston to Frankfurt, Germany for although they visited brother, Michael and his wife, Elaina never did meet up with her friends. She and David traveled throughout Europe together and subsequently obtained jobs in Frankfurt at the IG Farben building Officer's Club as wait staff. After eight months in Europe, David and Elaina returned to Jaffrey, announcing to their parents that they were planning to live together….to which David’s mother, Mary, Matriarch of the DelRossi clan announced, “I guess you won’t be coming to Sunday dinner” ….they were married shortly thereafter on May 6th, 1972.
David is fond of saying that the serendipitous plane flight with Elaina was the longest first date he ever had. David and Elaina subsequently returned to Europe, first landing in Ireland and then making their way to Devon County in the southwest of England where they worked at the Gara Rock Hotel in Salcombe. This experience helped to prepare them for their various enterprises to follow.
Both industrious and innovative, and possessing an entrepreneurial spirit, David and Elaina returned home once again, and opened their first business, “The Corner Kitchen,” housed in the old Jaffrey jail. Together they ran this small, but successful breakfast and lunch restaurant for four years, but much to the dismay of local residents, they closed the Corner Kitchen to pursue their love of music. This was the beginning of a long and prosperous enterprise known as, “Fiddlers Choice Music.” Here Elaina was able to share her love of music through teaching and performing. She became a well-known and sought after violin teacher throughout the Monadnock Region, and a mentor and inspiration to her many young students. Through her twice-yearly recitals, her students gained confidence in performing and further honed their skills with the violin. Elaina also became interested in violin repair and took several courses to become proficient in that skill, adding an additional service offered at the music shop. Elaina herself, like her students, found joy in performing and playing a variety of instruments. Along with David, also blessed with musical talents, prompted this duo to start their own band, which they named, “No Time Flat.” Elaina’s favorite T-shirt said it all, “Don’t Just Stand There….SING!”
In 1987 David and Elaina purchased an old farmhouse in Dublin, and commenced a two year renovation project, while simultaneously running the music store in Jaffrey….two years later, Fiddlers Choice Music was moved to the second floor of the farmhouse, while the first floor became their newest enterprise, DelRossi’s Trattoria. Unlike their other enterprises, the Trattoria required a significant staff, and even Mary, the DelRossi Matriarch was put to work as a hostess. With David in the kitchen, it left Elaina with the job of managing wait staff and all that goes with keeping the customers happy. Her acumen with mathematics also came in very handy.
Over time, DelRossi’s Trattoria became known for the best Italian food far and wide, and a great venue for bluegrass music. Both Elaina’s musical talents and management skills contributed greatly to the success of this last endeavor. As in the music store, Elaina was dearly beloved, and a great mentor, especially to many of the younger staff.
Elaina Louise DelRossi was a woman of substance in many matters beyond her music and mathematical abilities. She was an accomplished athlete traveling to Alaska at the age of 50 to run a marathon in support of a young relative who passed away from Leukemia. She was a lover of cats, art, travel, adventure, and was deeply spiritual. She could not wait to observe the next full moon, no matter the weather. She loved a good time, a good party, and her family and friends. Elaina could handle any situation, including firing David’s mother, Mary, as hostess because she could not turn down a reservation, even when the restaurant had a full house with a waiting list.
Best of all, Elaina was a loving and supportive wife to David for 54 years, and she was the love of his life.
Family and friends are invited to calling hours from 4:00PM to 6:00PM on Friday, February 6, 2026, at Cournoyer Funeral Home, 33 River St, Jaffrey, NH 03452.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 11:00AM at Saint Patrick Church, 89 Main Street, Jaffrey, NH 03452. Rev. Wilfred Deschamps, Pastor, will be the Celebrant.
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