FUNERAL HOME

Mueller-Bies Funeral Home - Roseville Chapel

2130 N. Dale Street

Roseville, Minnesota

Anthony ROSSINI Obituary

Beloved Husband, Father, Brother, and Uncle - Age 58 Anthony Reno Rossini was born on December 1, 1955, to Reno and Rose Rossini, the fifth of their eight children. He attended Maternity of Mary Elementary School, Cretin High School, and the University of Minnesota, where he majored in Chemistry. A few years later, he went to William Mitchell School of Law, graduating in 1984. After graduation, Tony joined his brother Ray - himself an attorney - and the two formed "Rossini and Rossini," a law firm based in Minneapolis. In 1990, Tony married Diane Herzig, his sweetheart from International Falls. The couple had three sons: Nicholas, born in 1995, and a pair of twins, Joseph and Thomas, born in 1999. After a battle with a rare autoimmune disease, little Joe passed away in May of 2001. A couple of months later, Tony's brother and law partner Ray passed away, and Tony took over the firm. In his years of practice, he became known as a generous and compassionate attorney, going beyond the demands of his profession to help his clients through difficult junctures in their lives. In February of 2009, Tony was diagnosed with a variant of early-onset Alzheimer's. The disease claimed his life on February 15, 2014. As a child, Tony was a charmer with cherub-round face, dark brown curls, and a ready grin. Neighbors remember him going from one house to another, ringing the doorbell and saying to whomever answered, "Hello, want to talk?" That sociable side was always part of Tony. He loved to share jokes, expound on the books he was reading, show the latest dime he'd found for his coin collection, or - the best! -recount a story about one of his sons. But Tony was also an adventurer. Friends remember his vowing that he would spend a whole day in a local tree (a vow he kept), going dumpster-diving for treasures, "grubbing" for golf balls in the pond on Como Park's golf course (a typical "take" was 400 balls). A few years later, Tony and two of his brothers assembled a '67 Buick Electra out of parts scavenged at the U-Pull-It junkyard. Fine examples of trim, dashboard parts, and special options were added to make the car "fully loaded," and the car was given a coat of deep maroon. With the radio on and Tony at the wheel, the guys would cruise the streets of St. Paul, marveling at the luxury of their "wheels." One memorable summer, the Electra made it all the way to Tijuana, Mexico. Early on, Tony developed a love of sports. He played hockey, football, and baseball, and could skate a winter's evening away at North Dale playground. For the pleasure of his buddies, Tony constructed a 9-hole golf course around the family home on Kent Street; his parents became aware of Tony's latest venture when they heard the sound of windows breaking. Oops! As the kicker on Cretin's football team, "Tony the Toe" served up the game-winning point more than once and dreamed of a career in the NFL. But his triumphs were to be more local. Tony was a star centerfielder on the Rossini cousins' softball team and, even after his diagnosis, continued playing handball and racquetball. His coaches often remarked that Tony was one of their best players, not only for his physical prowess, but his team spirit. Tony excelled in more esoteric "sports," too. He was a card shark and a Cue Master at the pool table. His foosball skills were a point of pride - "The guy doesn't lose," his friends said. While attending the U of M, Tony held crowds enthralled in Coffman Union with his legendary pinball skills. Daily, he would best another player's record, collecting on a few bets afterward. It was rumored that the U's pinball machines underwrote a good portion of Tony's university tuition - that, and perhaps a few especially profitable poker games. An adventurer and an athlete - that was Tony. But ever and always, home was where his heart was. A devoted son, Tony whiled away countless weekend hours, talking to his mom and playing cribbage with his dad. At his Eldridge Street address, Tony loved nothing better than to crank up the barbeque with his love, Diane, cooking up a party for family or friends. His sons were his great joys. They remember how Tony played for hours on the floor with them, and later, how he helped coach their sports teams. Tony took his boys fishing, played catch as they waited for the school bus, helped with schoolwork, listened to their worries and dreams. He was the consummate Dad, and near the end, when illness destroyed his ability to speak, Tony simply gave his Nick, Thomas, and Diane rapturous hugs. Tony lived life large, yes, and the largest part of him was his heart. A devoted son and brother, a loving husband and father, a man who cherished his friends - as one longtime friend has said, he was nothing less than a "gentle prince." We'll be telling "Tony stories" for years to come. Tony was preceded in death by his son, Joseph; parents, Reno and Rosemary; brother, Raymond; and mother-in-law, Betty Herzig. He is survived by his wife, Diane; sons, Nicholas and Thomas; siblings, Steve, Martha (Gary Olson), Clare (Joe Byrne), Jeanne (Tom Weir), Mary (Bill Anderson), and Andy (Liz); father-in-law, Manny Herzig; sisters-and brothers-in-law, Lori (Jim) Priegnitz, Gregg (Brenda) Herzig, Linda (Gary) Jones, Tom (Jill) Herzig, and Sue Salmela (Paul Burnett); and many other family and friends. Funeral leaving from MUELLER-BIES FUNERAL HOME-ROSEVILLE, 2130 N Dale St at County Rd B, on Friday, February 21 at 9:30 AM. Mass of Christian Burial at MATERNITY OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1414 N Dale St, St. Paul at 10 AM Friday. Interment Roselawn Cemetery. Visitation at the funeral home from 4-8 PM Thursday. The family is indebted to the employees of Rossini and Rossini, especially Joan, Lou, and Jonathan; to the staff at the Ecumen Center; to Frank Rondoni of Chestnut Cambronne Attorneys at Law; and to Tony's ever-faithful friends. Donations will go to the education fund for Tony's children. MUELLER-BIES 651-487-2550


Published by Pioneer Press from Feb. 16 to Feb. 18, 2014.
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Dear Rossini family,
I was the activity coordinator at Prairie Lodge where Tony was living. I want to let you know that Tony was loved and cared for in a way we knew he cared for others. I'm sorry I didn't' get to say goodbye, as I was recovering from surgery. I loved Tony's smile, laugh, and the way his face lit up when his family or others he recognized would come in the room. Although he wasn't able to speak his feelings, he showed his delight when you brought him a cheeseburger and fries, and when he got his hugs. I'll never forget his laugh, and it was a joy to be around him. Your family is wonderful, and I wish I could have one just like yours. I wrote some other words at the Star Tribune, so please look at that too. I know Tony would be so proud of his boys, and you all have done a great job through all this. You've had a rough year, and I will never forget all of you. I will continue to pray for you all too, I have a prayer list on my fridge. Please call if you ever need anything. My love, prayers and blessings to you all. Love, Kori Williams
763-862-0604 in Andover, MN or call me at Arbor Oaks in Andover, where I'm working now.
Loved Tony's hugs and all of your hugs, and Tony's dad's advice for a long marriage. Please give the boys a hug for me. I miss you Diane and Mary, miss you all. Blessings

Kori Williams

April 2, 2014

Our thoughts and PRAYERS go out for Tony's boys, wife, & all of his family, friends, neighbors.... I will always remember his warm, friendly smiling way .... Bless all! Sincerely, Todd, Trish, Taylor, & Toby Curtiss

March 1, 2014

Tony, one of My son's is named Tony too; I'm a grandson of Dante and Sue Rossini. May you rest in peace, and may perpetual light shine upon you. Carl Rossini Jr.

Carl Rossini

February 25, 2014

Tony and I were class of 74 at cretin. My thoughts and prayers are for Claire, Joe and Martha.

Richard Ayd

February 24, 2014

My most sincere sympathies to Tony's family. Tony was a kind and generous man –one who treated his clients with great compassion. It was a pleasure to have known him.

Kim Gapen

February 24, 2014

I was at Cretin with Tony. So sad to hear he has passed. Claire, Joe and Martha have my thoughts and prayers.

February 23, 2014

I remember the kindness and smiles of both Tony and his sister Clare from the old North Dale playground days. I am sorry and sad to hear of Tony's passing. I am not at all surprised to read about the wonderful memories he has left for those he touched!

Donna Panian Reichenbach

February 23, 2014

So sad to hear of Tony's passing. As a classmate at Cretin, I remember him as always smiling and a freindly person.You and your family will be in my prayers Tony.

Jack Miller

February 22, 2014

I was privileged to work as Tony's paralegal, having worked for Ray before him. Tony had a way with people, patience with the most difficult clients, and kindness for everyone. Please extend my sincere sympathy to the entire family.

Lu Wilmot

February 19, 2014

We are thinking of Tony and his wonderful family.
Prayers always... And Gods Peace amid all that life may throw our way.

Pam Faricy-Jamison and Billy Faricy??

Pam Faricy-Jamison

February 19, 2014

So sad for all of us. The world lost a very bright light.
Stephen Gautschi

February 19, 2014

To the nicest , smartest guy I knew. He would never let you win a game of anything, very competitive and fun loving. His kids Nick and Thomas are raised by the best parents; Tony and my sister Diane.

February 19, 2014

Tony's life was written and lived the way God wanted it to be for him. Even now Tony is in His hands.
Credit to Tony's loving family for a loving, sensitive, fuller than life obituary!
Our Love, Prayers and Sympathy
Mary Stumpf Spangler

February 19, 2014

Diane, Nick, and Thomas -
There are simply no words to convey our sympathy and sadness at the loss of Tony. We are so blessed to be your neighbors and to know Tony. He was always so very kind. A truly wonderful man. - Tania and Daniel Hueg

Tania Hueg

February 18, 2014

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Blessings,
Paulette Lewis and The Robby Cashman family

Paulette Lewis

February 18, 2014

What a great mental painting of Tony. Thoughts and prayers to your whole family.

Sandi McCarthy

February 18, 2014

My thoughts and prayers are with all of Tony's family. Tony was an inspiration for me in high school. I played 4 years of football and hockey with him. In those years I learned to never quit and to always go hard. Tony's energy carried over to all his teammates and took us all to levels we did not think possible. His spirited attitude
will always be remembered and appreciated. A team mate, a leader and an inspiration. " Ratso" forever. Thanks Tony.

Tom Schaak

February 18, 2014

Very sorry to hear of Tony's passing.
God be with you Tony.
Tim Bockert, Classmate from Maternity of Mary School.

February 18, 2014

Dear Clare & Joe, and all the Rossini family,
This news tugs at so many hearts full of so many memories. But Tony has now slipped peacefully away into God's loving, comforting arms. My prayers to you and your family are that you also find comfort and peace in knowing those same arms will provide the strength and healing you need to see you through the days ahead. Celebrate his life in sharing with one another the incredible memories he left behind.
Heartfelt wishes to you all.
Love, Sal

Sally Tschida-Liberko

February 18, 2014

Diane, Nick & Thomas ... may all the wonderful family memories you made together bring you peace and comfort. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Jill, Mike, Sophie & Maddie Bloss

February 18, 2014

Mueller-Bies Funeral Home

February 18, 2014

Clare, Joe, and families
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this tough year. ((hugs))

Pam (David) (Owens) Gonzalez

February 18, 2014

Tony was one of the greatest guys I knew. Peace, strength and love to his family.

Lora Amaro

February 18, 2014

Diane, Nick, Thomas and to the Rossini family,

We are so sad to hear about the passing of Tony. He was a wonderful man who had a great smile and wit. His one liners will never be forgotten!He will be truly missed. Please know you're in our thoughts and prayers.

Our Deepest sympathy,
Kevin, Mick, Ben and Kallan.

February 17, 2014

Diane, Nick, Thomas and the entire Rossini family,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. We will treasure the fond thoughts of Tony at baseball games, football games, school events and parties in your back yard! Tony's smile was infectious and we are so glad to have known him.

Love,
Angie, DeWayne, Tony & Maria Franks

February 17, 2014

I was the legal assistant at Rossini & Associates, P.A. in St. Louis Park. Tony was a great attorney in our close knit office. He was a kind and gentle man that genuinely cared and treated his staff with respect and friendship. My prayers go out to his family. You will rest in peace now Tony. Sincerely, Mary Leonhardt Thayer

February 17, 2014

My heart pours out to the Rossini. This past year has been a tough year. Your family is in my prayers. May your hearts be consoled by knowing he is now in God's loving arms.
Joe and Bonnie Konrardy

February 16, 2014

Sorry to see Tony go so young.
We had some great racquetball games at the Medalists club in St Paul.
Warren Nelson

February 16, 2014

Diane, Nick, Thomas and family -- thinking of you with love. Remembering Tony's smile. Keeping you in our prayers,
Brenda, Mike, Olivia, and Bryce Welsch

Brenda Welsch

February 16, 2014

To the Rossini Family,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. I have treasured memories of our time together at Maternity of Mary and at Cretin, and will never forget Tony's smile and infectious laugh. Heaven has added a special angel. May he rest in peace, and may you all seek comfort in knowing that Tony has joined his family in Heaven.

Daniel Kenney

February 16, 2014

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Memorial Events
for Anthony ROSSINI

Feb

20

Visitation

4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Mueller-Bies Funeral Home - Roseville Chapel

2130 N. Dale Street, Roseville, MN 55113

Feb

21

Funeral service

9:30 a.m.

Mueller-Bies Funeral Home - Roseville Chapel

2130 N. Dale Street, Roseville, MN 55113

Feb

21

Mass of Christian Burial

10:00 a.m.

MATERNITY OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH

1414 N Dale St, St. Pau, MN 55113

Feb

21

Interment

Roselawn Cemetery

MN 55113

Funeral services provided by:

Mueller-Bies Funeral Home - Roseville Chapel

2130 N. Dale Street, Roseville, MN 55113

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