Carl Rossi

Carl was born in 1926 of Italian and Irish parents, Anthony and Nora (Powers) Rossi and was so proud of his heritage. He had an older sister, Maryanne and they were raised in a Catholic Christian home, attending Holy Name Church and school. He attended Lee High School for a short time but left to join the Navy, to help support his mother after his father died. Carl served as a machinist during World War II from April 1943 to August 1944. In October of 1950, until January of 1952, he served in the Korean War on the USS Boxer. He often spoke of his love and pride of being "in the service".

Returning home, he joined his extended family working for the John B. Rossi Tile Co. "Charlie" worked all around Grand Rapids, and the State of Michigan, installing tile, terrazzo and marble. The work took him to hospitals, prisons, offices, schools and homes. His work can be found at Holy Spirit Church, the Amway Grand Plaza, Noto's Italian Restaurant and the Grand Rapids Home for the Veterans. After officially retiring, he continued to use his skills in helping family and friends.

In 1957, at a wedding of mutual friends, he met Eleanor (Ellie) Pattok and from that day, until they were married in August of 1958, they spoke or saw each other every day. They were married at St. James Catholic Church with a morning breakfast reception and an evening dinner reception at the Ranch House on West River Drive. (Yes, they used to have two receptions in those days.) After a honeymoon in Northern Michigan, they settled in an apartment on W. Fulton Street. It was during this time that Carl was working at the VA home and Ellie would bring him lunch there. They would sit in their car, making plans for their future. It was at this time that Carl stated that if he ever had to be in a nursing home, he wanted to be at the Veterans Home.

Very soon, with a child on the way, they purchased a home on Sunset Hills where they lived for 9 years. Mary Frances was born in 1959, followed by Patrick Joseph in 1960 (he was born on St. Patrick,s Day which made his Irish family happy) then came Anne Marie and Charles Joseph in 1961 and Paula Marie in 1967. With an active and growing family, a bigger home was needed and the Rossi family moved to their home on Covell N.W.

Even though Carl traveled a great deal, and was out of town for a week or ten days, he gave his time at home to his family. There was always a softball or basketball game-a football game or track and he was anxious to attend those events.

As the years went by, and the children attended Holy Spirit school, West Catholic High School, Union High School, and then on to college. It was great to have them at Aquinas, Ferris, Michigan Tech, Grand Rapids Junior College, University of Michigan and Grand Valley. Even though Carl did not graduate from high school (he later earned his GED), he wanted all of his children to attend college and sacrificed to make it possible.

As time passed on his children became adults and started their own home. Carl and Ellie moved to their present home on Hillburn Ave. The family had some memorable vacations at the Wisconsin Dells, Branson Missouri, visiting family in Georgia, Florida, Seattle as well as two special trips; the entire family, including spouses and grandchildren went to Hawaii and the final trip, with Ellie and the five children to Italy.

Carl was not all work and no play! He loved Notre Dame football, the Detroit Tigers, golfing with the Holy Spirit Golf League, some bowling (on a team and with his children) shooting pool, going to Lake Michigan to enjoy a picnic and swimming with the family, and going to dances with Ellie and his friends. Pat and Don, Marie and Jerry, Don and Maggie, Dodie and Jerry, Dorothy and Gary, Ed and Mary, Jack and Ceil and many more. He kept in touch with his Rossi cousins, especially Abe (his best man). He especially became great friends with Father Tony and many others.

Life became more difficult about 1999, when he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. As the disease progressed, Ellie, with the help of his children, cared for him. He especially loved going to the Side By Side Adult Care facility where he made friends and where he was cared for. However, when more care was needed, he went to the Grand Rapids Home for the Veterans and was lovingly cared for. Carl was a very devote Catholic, unconditionally loved his wife, children, their spouses, and grandchildren. And he continues to watch over them, now from a loftier height!

Carl G. Rossi left this earthly journey on Sunday January 16, 2011. Carl’s family includes his wife, Eleanor; his children, Mary (Roger) Zoppa, Patrick (Pat) Rossi, Anne (Robert) Click, Charles Rossi, Paula Rossi; his nine grandchildren, Cody (Melissa) Zoppa, Jamie Zoppa, Erin Zoppa, Philip Rossi, Christian Rossi, Alexis Rossi, Suzanne Click, Katherine Click, Jonathan “Jack” Click; nieces, nephews cousins and friends. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday morning at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Spirit Parish. Burial in Resurrection Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet his family on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. with the Rosary prayed at 7:00 p.m. at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Alt & Shawmut – Grand Rapids, MI, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory or make a memorial donation to Hope Network – Side By Side Adult Care Center or Holy Spirit Parish Capitol Campaign.