Richard Domenic Rossi

Richard Domenic Rossi, 94, of Leawood, Kansas, passed away on October 8, 2023, surrounded by his family. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, October 13th at Curé of Ars Catholic Church, 9401 Mission Rd, Leawood, Kansas. A private burial will take place at a later date in Naperville, IL.

Dick was born to Nella Pellegrini Rossi and Domenic Rossi on October 11, 1928, in Chicago, IL, where he spent the first 50 years of his long life. A product of Chicago public schools, he was a bright student who started first grade young and skipped another grade before graduating from Crane Tech High School. At 17, he enlisted in the Army to ensure that he could continue his education with the aid of the GI Bill. After serving in Japan, he returned to the States and received a B.S. degree from DePaul University and an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago. He would spend the majority of his career working in human resources for Santa Fe Industries.

In 1962, he married Joyce Ludwig, whom he met while interviewing her for a job. They enjoyed 53 years together until her death in 2015. He is survived by their daughters, sons-in-law, and beloved grandchildren: Mary (Tim) Ritter of Coppell, TX; Sarah (Ray) Evans of Leawood, KS; Ann (Mike) Cummins of Downers Grove, IL; Katie, Daniel, and David Ritter; Darby, Jack, and Mary Evans; and Evan and Maggie Cummins.

In addition to the above, he is also survived by his sister, Joan Rossi, his brother Bob (Carol) Rossi, and his nephew, Tony Rossi.

Upon retirement, Dick and Joyce moved to Lawrence, KS, where he would devote time to his grandchildren, his church, and his favorite hobby, cycling. He advanced in the ranks of the Senior Olympics as he aged, perhaps assisted more by a declining competitor pool than by increasing skill. A man of great faith, he attended the St. Lawrence Catholic Center in Lawrence, and later the Church of the Nativity and Curé of Ars Catholic Church, both in Leawood. His Catholic faith and church family brought him great comfort, especially as his health began to decline in his later years.

His family will remember his byzantine labeling procedures (lightbulbs, plastic wrap, disposable containers) and eccentric food proclivities with both fondness and confusion. They’ll also remember his love of a lively debate, and his ubiquitous orange stocking cap. He will be greatly missed, but certainly never forgotten. Godspeed, Richard.

A Memorial Mass for Richard will be held Friday, October 13, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Curé of Ars Catholic Church, 9401 Mission Road, Leawood, KS 66206.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Sisters, Servants of Mary, 800 N 18th St, Kansas City, KS 66102 sisterservantsofmary.org/donate