Herbert W. Rossi, affectionately known as Buck, returned to our Heavenly Father on June 12, 2005, his 54th wedding anniversary. He was proud to have lived 77 years.
Survivors are his much beloved wife, Pauletta, children, Amy Rossi, Amanda Rossi Grayson, John Paul Rossi, sons-in-law, Joe Bryan, Larry T. Grayson and grandsons, Nathan Bryan, Trevor Rossi and Nicholas Bryan and a sister, Velma Polich. He was preceded in death by his parents, John A. Rossi, Sr. and Katharine Rossi; brother, Lt. John A. Rossi Jr. and sister, Bertie Mae Marshall.
Born in the third home built in Park Hill, Buck attended St. Patrick’s Catholic School, Little Rock Catholic High, Rockhurst College and the University of Arkansas where he was a Kappa Sig. He was a medic in the United States Navy receiving many medals for his valiant efforts in the war wearing these only to Mass and on Christmas Day. Buck won the Arkansas Salesman of the Year as an Account Executive from Top Value before retiring and returning to his joy of cooking, particularly handmade pasta, building war model airplanes and spending time with his three grandsons. Most of all, he believed that his most important duty was providing the love and care to Pauletta, his “Cutie”, in nurturing her back to health.
Buck would always carry ring rosaries to give to others, often even strangers, as a sign of hope. He would also provide life saver candies for his nurses and doctors. Buck saw them as truly life savers; they saw him lovingly as the Candy Man. In his own words “he was a grateful and thankful old sailor.”
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Arkansas Cancer Research Center UAMS, 4301 W. Markham Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205.
Mass of Christian burial will be held 11:00 A.M. Wednesday at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church by his cousin, Father Raymond Rossi, Father Warren Harvey and Father Oliver Ochieze officiating. Burial will be in Rest Hills Memorial Park. A Rosary service will be held 7:00 P.M., Tuesday at North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main, 758-1170. Online obituary and guest register at www.northlittlerockfuneralhome.com.