Richard E. Rossi — Rochester
Richard Edward Rossi, of Sun City West, Ariz., and formerly of Rochester, died June 16, 2016, at Banner Hospice House. He was 91.
He was born on March 24, 1925, in Rochester, to Edward Rossi and Mary Bryan Rossi. He joined the Navy in1943 and graduated in 1950 from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry.
He married Patricia Jensen on Dec. 27, 1946. They have five children, Steve (Meredythe), Bryan (Joan), Kent (Betsy), Richard (Mary) and Patrice; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
He practiced general dentistry in Plainview for seven years. He practiced dentistry in Rochester, and he co-founded the Northwest Dental Group in 1965.
He was president of the Minnesota Dental Association, 1978-1979; past president of Minnesota Academy of Practice Administration; fellow of American College of Dentists; and fellow of International College of Dentists. He was a past member of professional organizations: the Academy of General Dentistry (co-founded the first Minnesota Chapter); American Society of Preventive Dentistry (co-founded the Minnesota Chapter); American Academy of Dental Practice Administration (served on the board of directors). He was also past president of local constituent societies and study clubs.
He lectured and was involved with television presentations on preventive dentistry, use of auxiliaries and general dentistry at meetings throughout the United States and the world.
His world travels included Madagascar, India, Turkey, Europe, the Soviet Union, South Africa, Indonesia, Thailand, New Zealand and Australia, and he was part of the first professional delegation and five subsequent delegations to China. He was in Tiananmen Square in May 1989. He also participated in a dental exchange program to Cuba in 1998.
He loved his family, friends, nature, photography, art and storytelling. With the encouragement of family and friends, he wrote "Country School: Memories of Rural Rochester, Minnesota" describing growing up in rural Rochester and attending a one-room schoolhouse.
He is survived by his wife, Pat; five children; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. His brother, Bryan D. Rossi; his brother-in-law, Robert (Bob) Jensen; his sisters-in-law, Bettie Rossi Lang and Lorraine Jensen; and his nephew, Tom Rossi, predeceased him.
The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Monday at Shepherd of the Hills UMC, 13658 W. Meeker Blvd., Sun City West. A memorial service in Rochester is pending.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Shepherd of the Hills UMC.