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Donald J. Rosicka, born May 18, 1926, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Joseph J. and Margaret Helen (Lee) Rosicka, died September, 30, 2019 in Santa Rosa Beach, FL. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Willam J. and Joseph J. Rosicka, Jr. Don is survived by his wife and best friend, Mary Catherine (Hidy), along with five children: Mikki Lynn (Robert) Hogan of Salisbury, NC; Barbara R. (John) Idone of Santa Rosa Beach, FL; Donald J. (Nancy Boyce) Rosicka, Jr. of Shalimar, FL; Carrie R. (Daniel) Edelson of Raleigh, NC; and Matthew B. (Kimrey) Rosicka of Fort Walton Beach, FL. Don also leaves behind many beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Although born in Cleveland, Don was raised in Springfield, Ohio, where he attended Catholic Central High School, Class of 1944. He then served two years in the Army and subsequently was graduated from Wittenberg College in 1950 with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. He was employed in Civil Service for 32 years at a combination of Wright-Patterson and Eglin Air Force Bases. Don also worked several years for Decision Sciences, Inc., as Contracts Manager. After relocating from Springfield with the family to Shalimar, FL, in 1968, Don often said it was the best move he could've ever made coming to the panhandle of Florida. In 1986, Don and Cathy built a home and moved from Shalimar to South Walton (long before it was called The Beaches of South Walton). He loved the beautiful weather and scenery and treasured every day here with his family.
Don's greatest love, besides his family, of course, (and possibly ice cream), was his love for music, specifically playing tenor saxophone in a jazz environment. Don developed a lifelong love of jazz after listening to a 78-rpm of the song "Solitude" by the Duke Ellington Band, featuring saxophonist Ben Webster. As Don put it, "Suddenly out came the most beautiful musical sound I had ever heard." His parents bought him a saxophone on his 14th birthday and he played every day he was able since. Although Don worked a "day" job to support his family, his interest in music never waned. He practiced every day and played nearly every weekend with a variety of local bands, including big bands as well as smaller groups, until he was no longer able.
The family memorialized Don in a private Mass on Thursday, October 3, 2019, at St. Rita's Catholic Church in Santa Rosa Beach.
Don had a memorable sense of humor and could tell a great joke with impeccable timing. He was dearly loved by many and will be sorely missed.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Acoustic Neuroma Association @ anausa.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by National Cremation & Burial Society.
4 Entries
Our Prayers and thoughts for the Rosicka family.
Anna & Tim Pugh
Tim & Anna Pugh
October 21, 2019
played many a gig with don over the years, enjoyed all of them !! r.i.p. don and bless you Cathy
Teddy Garrett [email protected]
teddy garrett
October 15, 2019
Don was a great tenor player and a great human being. He could play the jazz tenor book on sight when I needed him in my White Sands Orchestra. He is still playing in the upstairs big band.
John Mizelle
October 14, 2019
Don was one of the first people I met when I moved here as a newlywed. He was a kind & true gentleman whom I have never forgotten. Once I heard him play his music
I understood & appreciated
him even more, also the lesson he taught me that it is never too late to pursue your dreams. He will be missed but not forgotten.
G H
October 12, 2019
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