David J Rossi, Sr

David J. Rossi, Sr., age 65

Dave was the fourth child of Joe and Milena Rossi who immigrated to Cleveland, Ohio from Pisa Italy in 1949. His family lived in Cleveland's Little Italy until 1963 when they moved to Lyndhurst, OH. He attended St. Clare Grade School, Memorial Junior High, Brush High School and went on to graduate from Purdue University where he earned his bachelor's degree in Finance. He met his future wife Mary, in his last semester at Purdue when he became her 'guy next door.'

After graduation Dave traveled to Europe where he bought a bicycle as his main form of transportation throughout the continent. During his year in Europe he lived with family in Pisa, taught and coached at Camp Darby and traveled as much as he could. He was fearless and could figure out a way to get a meal or a place to stay like no one else.

Upon his return to the US, he briefly lived and worked in Cleveland before moving to Chicago where he immediately got a job as bartender. he soon worked at the Chicago Board of Trade and continued bartending until getting married. He moved back to Cleveland to attend Case Western Reserve University school of Law, class of 1988. Upon graduation he opened his own law practice, starting out in Domestic Law, and eventually found his way to handling adoptions. He became certified to hold and care for the babies during the adoption surrender, which he was very proud of. For the last many years, he practiced general law out of his office in Little Italy, where everyone knew his name. Called 'the mayor' by many, Dave was a very casual, yet dedicated attorney, often taking meetings at Presti's or going on walks with clients.

Dave's eight children all attended St. Ann School over 25 years, where he also coached for 18, touching many lives and inspiring young athletes to be their best.

He was an avid biker, loved yoga, and going to the gym. Late in life he became a certified Yoga instructor and volunteered at Hope Lodge. He was drawn to the underdog; he served the homeless population for years by bringing clothes and food to them and volunteering his time to help those with legal needs. It was not unusual to see him walking with those he loved and helping many.

Dave loved his children and spoke of them often. If you ran into someone who knew him, they would know all their names. He had a big personality and will be missed greatly.

He is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 40 years Mary (nee Long); loving father of David Jr. (Evan), Michael (Laura), Gabriel (Kate), Nathan, Miriam, Jacob, Grace and Ben; devoted grandfather of Maya, Caleb, Asher (deceased), Claire, Liam, John and Owen Rossi, cherished son of Joseph and Milena (nee Gianessi) (both deceased); dearest brother of Eleanor Hudson (deceased) (Paul), Joseph Rossi (Claudia) and Patricia Salahshour. Dave was a brother, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin and friend of many.

Entombment All Souls Cemetery. FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE INVITED TO GATHER FOR MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL 10:30 AM FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29 AT ST. ANN CHURCH OF COMMUNION OF SAINTS PAIRSH, 2175 Coventry Road, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118. FRIENDS MAY CALL AT THE FIORITTO FUNERAL HOME, 5236 MAYFIELD ROAD, LYNDHURST (EAST OF RICHMOND RD.) on THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28 FROM 4 TO 7 pm.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Dave's memory suggested to Hope Lodge, 11432 Mayfield Road, Cleveland, OH 44106 or to St. Ann Church of Communion of Saints Parish, 2175 Coventry Road, Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44118.