Edwin Ashby Rosson

Edwin Ashby Rosson

Edwin Ashby Rosson, 74, died peacefully after a brief battle with cancer, Friday, November 19, 2010, with family members holding his hands.

He was born on August 16, 1936, the son of the late Ashby D. and Evelyn Alexander Rosson of Shenandoah, Virginia.

He is survived by Judy, his devoted wife of 52 years; and four children, Dianne Ireton and her husband, Thomas, Douglas Rosson and his wife, Emily, Susan Graves and Nancy Cathey and her husband, David.

He was a loving grandfather to eight grandchildren, Sarah Bruce, Adam and Ryan Graves, Holland and Reid Cathey and Andrew, Harrison and Jack Rosson. He is also survived by two brothers, Conrad and Robert; and three sisters, Laura Rosazza, Sarah Rebecca Wigent and Sandra Burkholder.

Mr. Rosson was known to family as "Ebb", to friends and work associates as "Ed", and to his grandchildren as "Pop".

After graduating in 1962 from the University of Virginia with a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering, he became known as "Mr. Steering" at Sperry Marine, where he was employed for 42 years specializing in steering systems for ships. A multi-talented man, he was a star football player and an All-State trumpeter in high school. He also played the accordion and bass. He will be missed as an entertainer on the piano at social occasions and at home. He created beautiful furniture in his woodworking shop and many friends and family members will cherish his work as heirlooms. He was good at photographing birds and flowers and the birds will miss his faithful filling of the multiple feeders outside his home. Everyone who knew him will miss his hugs and radiant smile.

There will be a visitation at 12:30 p.m. Monday, November 22, 2010, at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 1500 E. Rio Road, Charlottesville, Virginia, followed by a service to celebrate his life, led by the Reverend Claude Reed at 1:30.

Interment will be in Shenandoah, Virginia, at Rest Haven Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to either, The Alzheimer's Association, 1160 Pepsi Place, Charlottesville, VA, 22901 or Hospice of the Piedmont, 675 Peter Jefferson Place, Suite 300, Charlottesville, VA, 22911.

Friends may sign the guest book at www.hillandwood.com


This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.