YOUNGSTOWN — The Rich Center for Autism soon will receive a major gift from a longtime Mahoning Valley attorney and family.

A check presentation will take place at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the center, at Youngstown State University.

Attorney Daniel L. Rossi, along with his children and members of the Rossi family, will present a check for $50,000 to university President Jim Tressel, Rich Center Executive Director Dr. Gregory Boerio, co-founder Phyllis Ricchiuti and Rich Center staff.

Funds will be used to support the mission of the Rich Center for Autism as part of the Building for Tomorrow Capital Campaign.

Rossi, 95, is a lifelong resident of Youngstown and attended the former Madison Elementary School and East High School. After he was discharged from the Navy, he graduated from Youngstown College (now YSU) and studied at Ohio Northern University in pursuit of his law degree.

Rossi practiced law in the area for more than 60 years, establishing the Rossi law firm in 1952.

His son, Gregg, now operates the family law practice, Rossi & Rossi.

The Rich Center for Autism, a component of the YSU Beeghly College of Liberal Arts, Social Sciences, & Education, fulfills the mission to prepare educators, medical specialists and other professionals in best practices for teaching and caring for those on the autism spectrum; to increase knowledge base through the promotion of scholarly research; and to provide public service and advocacy on behalf of those affected by autism.