Robert Rossi

Robert Marion Rossi, 90, of Mack, Colorado entered into eternal life July 2, 2016 at Hope West Hospice Care. He was born February 10, 1926 in Oak Creek, Colorado to George and Amelia Rossi. He attended Heart Mountain, Oak Creek and Yampa Schools, and graduated in 1943. At the age of 17 he entered into the U.S. Navy and served from January 1944 thru June 1946. He was a radio operator on an Avenger Torpedo Plane in Puerto Rico flying submarine patrol during WWII.

After returning from WWII he married the love of his life, Lorraine Rose on December 1, 1950. To this union they were blessed with three children. He has nine grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. He spent his life as a rancher in Yampa working with his brother and then in 1981 he moved to Mack Colorado where he and his two sons raised cattle and hay. Robert was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. He enjoyed collecting antique agricultural items and working on the ranch for many years. Robert served on the SoRoCo School board in Yampa. He also served on the Grand Valley Water Users board for many years.  Robert was Co-Grand Marshal of the Yampa 4th of July Parade in 2013 with his 1943 graduating class. He was also named Father of the Year by the Mesa County Cattlewomen in 2014.

Robert was a beloved husband, father, and grandpa. He is proceeded in death by his mother and father, brothers and sisters; Lena, Angelo, Leo, John, Joe, Emma, Albert, son Bill Laman and grandson Blane Stewart.

Robert is survived by his wife Lorraine of 65 years, his brother Tom of Oak Creek, and three children, Suzanne (Stephen) Stewart of Sterling CO; Alan (Verla) of Mack CO; George (Sue) of Norton KS and Daughter in law Katherine DeWald of Mesquite NV. Grandchildren Larry Laman of Casper WY, Shelly (Jim) Pederson of Mesquite NV. Monte (Sara) Williams of Dickinson ND, Loren (Valerie) Williams of Fruita CO, Jennifer Gilbreath (Justin) of Aubrey TX, Tony (Koli) of Mack CO, Taylor Kerkman (Kyle) of Papillion NE, Kaylen and Treven of Norton KS.
Great-grandchildren, Lacey Hutton, Meshawn Laman, Desiree Laman, Alexia Bickels, Alexander and Lyla Williams; Jaxon, Jaylee, and Jordyn Gilbreath, Hazen Rossi, Knox Kerkman and baby Williams due in September. Great-great grandchildren Blaze, Brody and Brecken Hutton . In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Hope West Hospice, 2754 Compass Dr Ste 377, Grand Junction, CO 81506. A celebration of his life will be held Friday, July 8, 2016 at 11 AM at the Rossi Farm  748 R Road Mack, CO