Obituary for Donald W Rossi
Donald W. Rossi 69 passed away on Saturday, February 13, 2016 at the OSF Richard L Owens Hospice Home of Peoria. Don died due to complications of failing health over the past 17 months. Father, husband, partner, and friend, Don was born September 18, 1946 to Darville and Ramona (McHugh) Rossi in Pasadena, CA. As a young man, he loved athletics and enjoyed team sports as well as surfing and water skiing. Following high school, he attended the University of Oregon and Oregon State University before serving as a corpsman in the U.S. Navy from 1966 to 1972. After the Navy, he went on to pursue a Doctorate of Optometry at the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago. Upon graduation in 1975, he moved to Peoria with his former wife, Norma Rossi, to begin his 30 year optometric career. Active in the community, he was a member of the Illinois Valley Optometric Society where he served in a number of positions including President. He was also an active member of Peoria Rotary North. A gregarious planner; he loved to socialize planning a yearly golf outing for over 100 people, and in later years, enjoyed playing water volleyball at the Clubs at River City. He also loved to travel; he and Norma took many trips with their sons, Mike and Dan, both domestically and abroad. In recent years, he enjoyed annual trips to Mexico with his long-time partner, Sue Penn. Survivors include Sue Penn, sons Mike Rossi of Des Moines, IA and Dan Rossi of Providence, Rhode Island whom he raised with his former wife, Norma Rossi who resides in Peoria. He is also survived by, two young grandchildren Gabriel and Jacob, his first cousins William and Robert Converse, both of California, and his beloved cats Mr. Honey and Ms. Becca. Cremation rights have been accorded. There will be no visitation or services, but the family will celebrate Don’s life on a future date. Memorials may be made in Don’s name to the following: Illinois Eyecare Foundation of Illinois Optometric Association 304 Washington St. Springfield, IL 62701
ioa@ioaweb.org
Donation Page:
https://ioaweb.site-ym.com/donations/donate.asp?id=13895
or TAPS No-Kill Animal Shelter 100 TAPS Lane, Pekin, IL 61554 Donation Page:
http://www.tapsshelter.org/donations
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ioa@ioaweb.org
Donation Page:
https://ioaweb.site-ym.com/donations/donate.asp?id=13895
or TAPS No-Kill Animal Shelter 100 TAPS Lane, Pekin, IL 61554 Donation Page:
http://www.tapsshelter.org/donations
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