GREER, S.C. —
Anthony “Tony” Rossi passed away at the age of 81, following a prolonged illness. He died Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2012, at 2:05am, at the home of a family member in Greer, S.C.
Born Sept. 5, 1931, he spent most of his life in Ashtabula, Ohio. He spent time as a young man traveling around the country. It was in Seattle, Wash. that he met his future wife, Jean Snell. They were both 19 when they moved back to Ashtabula. He started a contracting business with his half-brother, Carl.
This business, Rossi Swanson Builders, became a successful and respected contracting company in Ashtabula, Ohio for over 40 years. He retired at the age of 62. He felt that the building of a home reflected the kind of person the builder was. He built with a sense of pride and it showed in his work.
He never had the opportunity to graduate from high school, but felt education and learning were important in life. He was an intelligent man and enjoyed learning new things. He became expert at subjects he was interested in. These included old cars and firearms, target shooting and bowling. Generosity was part of his nature. When a friend lost their job, he would hire them, even when he couldn't afford to. He did volunteer work at the local food bank and never refused a call for help.
He enjoyed bowling, playing cards and reading. He was a lifetime member of the Knights of Pythias. He took up tennis and jogging after the age of 50.
He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Jean Rossi; his children, Pam Rossi, Toni Rossi, Laura Knowles, Julie Carithers, Brian Rossi and Jill Hamrick; 14 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and also a half-sister, Shirley Costa.
He once said, "My family are my riches”. Tony Rossi was a rich man in all the ways that mattered.
A Memorial Service was held for family and friends at Woodlawn Memorial Chapel on Thursday at 1:30.
Signing up to be an organ donor would be a fitting way to remember a guy who gave easily to others.
The Rossi family extends a deep thank-you to those who have helped along the way, specifically the tremendous employees at Journey Hospice.
Obituary and condolences at starbeacon.com.
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