Member Feature Car
Featured below is this month’s Feature Car. Our members take exceptional pride in their vehicles, and the story that follows reflects the time, care, and dedication they devote to preserving them. Don’t miss the pictures—they’re definitely worth a look!
Born to Shine: John M. Rosko's 2017 Mustang GT California Special
If you knew John, you knew he was a man who loved his Fords, his trivia, and—most of all—his perfectionism. John M. Rosko was more than just a fellow enthusiast; he was the heartbeat of our club’s dedication to the craft. John approached everything with a unique blend of technical precision and genuine warmth.
When we went to the dealership to pick out his 2017 Mustang GT California Special convertible, we had our hearts set on orange. But, of course, they stopped making that color. So, we looked at the silver one, and then John said, "Let's go with the yellow." He named her "Sunshine," and that was that. That car became a canvas for John’s vision, featuring carefully planned black accents and modifications that he researched and executed with perfection.
John didn't just own a car; he curated it. He was a perfectionist about everything. I’m not saying he cleaned the car with Q-tips, but let’s just say he was very, very careful. In our old house, he had so much cardboard and foam set up in the garage to protect that Mustang from me that I didn't dare get too close!
He had a binder for every vehicle he ever owned, documenting every part and every package. He was a man of logic and order—a true Libra—while I’m the one who thinks outside the box. We were a funny pair, but we were so in tune that we rarely ever disagreed on anything.
That technical mind of his didn't just apply to the garage. John’s love for cars wasn't just a hobby; it was a lifelong pursuit that began in his high school shop days, heavily influenced by his father. That natural mechanical talent followed him into his service with the U.S. Army. He was a Specialist Five (E-5), where he spent three years working on HAWK missile fire control systems. He even spent a year in Germany, which he absolutely loved. He was a man who could look at a complex system, analyze it, and figure it out—whether it was a missile system, a computer program, or the club’s show tally sheets. He took that same exactness and applied it to his life, earning his Sharpshooter badge with the M14, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal along the way.
We had some great times with "Sunshine." We took her to shows in Carlisle, Valley Forge, and Middletown. I remember one rainy, misty day in North Philadelphia when we were cleaning the car for a show. I did the wheels, and John did the rest. We ended up winning a trophy for the "cleanest car," and I’ll tell you, if I hadn't cleaned those wheels, we wouldn't have won! But for John, the trophies were secondary. He wasn't interested in participation awards; he wanted to win because of the car’s merit, but he stayed for the people. He loved walking the rows of cars at shows like Carlisle, Valley Forge, and Middletown, eager to talk taillights and history with anyone who would listen. He was a man who found joy in the history of the industry and the connections he made along the way.
And the stories that car attracted! That yellow paint was a magnet for bugs, and there was the time at a show when a bird pooped right where I would have sat. John thought it was hilarious—mostly because he was just relieved I wasn't there to get it on my head.
Beyond the car, John was a man who loved his camaraderie. He was the First State Mustang and Ford Club's publisher and editor for ten years. His contributions to our club were immense. John was so proud that he took our newsletter to the next level, transitioning us from typed, mailed pages to a modern, computer-generated publication. He was a perfectionist, yes— he was also a mentor and a collaborator, working with his grandson, Ryan, to automate our show tally sheets and always looking for ways to improve our traditions. He shared that passion with his grandchildren, creating memories that will last a lifetime—like the special rides in the Mustang he took with his grandson, Ethan. And he absolutely loved sparring with Tim. They had so much fun picking on each other at club meetings; it was just their way of showing they cared.
He was also a man of deep curiosity. He drove me crazy with his trivia—he’d watch all those knowledge shows while I just wanted to watch something to take my brain off serious stuff—but I loved that about him.
He loved taking the Mustang out for joyrides in Lancaster. But whether he was on the track at Pocono, talking taillights with a stranger at a show, or just sitting in the garage, John was in his element.
John M. Rosko taught us that a car is more than just metal and horsepower. It’s a reason to gather, a reason to learn, and a reason to connect. He was a man of balance, logic, and immense heart. While we will miss his presence at our meets and the spirited banter he brought to our board, his legacy lives on in the pristine condition of the cars he loved, the newsletters he built, and the friendships he fostered.
He was my logical other half, my perfectionist, and my best friend. He loved this club, and he loved the people in it. Thank you for being part of his journey. Debby
